Is it healthy to stop a sneeze?

1. 69

   Rosie2010posted 13 years ago

   Is it healthy to stop a sneeze?

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2. 79

   BizGenGirlposted 13 years ago

   Actually, it's not healthy. The reason we sneeze, is because it's our bodies reaction to allergin's, toxins or other debris that could be hazardous to our health. Without the sneeze reflex, we'd have all sorts of nasty things in our lungs and airways. Not good. =/
   
   So next time you feel the need, let her rip and have a good big sneeze! lol. It's good for ya

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3. 65

   Lisa HWposted 13 years ago

   It's not the healthiest thing for the potential sneezer because stopping a sneeze can cause a backup of pressure to the sinuses, or maybe to ears through Eustachian tube.  However, it's healthier to anyone around the potential sneezer, and it's far less disgusting than sneezing; so sometimes a person thinks risking a little pressure back up may be worth it.  (I've been stopping sneezes for decades.  So far, so good.  Knock on wood.)   
   
   As far as the argument about sneezing meaning there's something that should be gotten rid of anyway goes...    That's not necessarily always true, at least not as people often think of "need to get rid of it" goes.  For example, every time I have an Altoids I first have what I call "my Altoid sneeze" (which do stop).  Someone else I know sneezes when first taking an Altoid too.  While the "business" in the back of the throat may be "rejecting" that first blast of mint temporarily, the sneeze comes from something other some "horrible, dirty" thing that the body needs to be rid of.  It's just a reaction to the mint.  (Sometimes sneezing just happen for "goofy" reasons - not because there's something all that horrible that caused the sneeze.)
   
   In any case, my thinking is that while there's no question that stopping a sneeze could bring some problems, it's worth the risk.   (lol)   If it's something other than an Altoids or some other little "quirky" thing causing the urge to sneeze, than people should blow their noise, take an allergy pill, or "whatever".  There are other ways to address the issue of getting rid of bad stuff.  So, while it may not be the healthiest thing - I plan to keep catching my sneezes at least until I blow out my ear drums (at which time I'll come back here and point out why I shouldn't have made the decision I did about one particular sneeze).    
   
   In all seriousness, one person's "harmless germs" (that don't cause him any real problems) can be deadly to another person (especially babies, elderly people, and anyone with a weakened immune system).  Better is risk a pressure back-up than possibly risk someone else's health in a far more serious way.

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4. 80

   Express10posted 13 years ago

   In many cases it is not. The force of the sneeze can tear or break tissues and your body is sneezing in an attempt to expel either a foreign item (that you may or may not be able to detect) or waste. Some people sneeze in response to rubbing their nose or having something hit it with minimal force. When I was younger, my big sister delighted in sending me on 12 and 20 sneeze fits by hitting my nose. However, if you rub your nose it is possible to start one of these fits inadvertently. If this occurs for you at work or in a social setting, just excuse yourself and sneeze away.

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