A natural reflex, sneezing allows the body to evacuate pathogens, such as dust or viruses. If there is no real “instructions for use”, it is advisable to avoid a few missteps when letting your nose express itself.
- A sneeze can reach 50 km/h. It can be linked to an allergy, a cold, the presence of dust in the air, or even a perfume or too strong light.
- The neuromedin B molecule, or NMB, has been identified as being responsible for transmitting sneeze signals to nerve cells. By targeting the NMB or its receptor, it would then be possible to limit the spread in infected people by limiting their sneezing, according to a study.
Why do we have to sneeze? Is it better to do it by mouth or nose? Can we hold back? We explain the basics of a sneeze without risk to your health.
Sneeze to expel impurities
Why do we sneeze? A study showed that when a particular substance (irritating, for example) enters the upper airways, it releases a specific molecule, neuromedin B, which will be responsible for transmitting sneeze signals to nerve cells. In other words, it is a natural mechanism of the body which makes it possible to expel the impurities, the irritating agents, the particles which one has inhaled and which remain blocked in the nose, whether they are simple dust or virus. Sneezing is just the body regulating itself. Some people even have a tendency to sneeze when moving from the shade to the sun, or when they look at a source of bright light: this is called the photo-sneeze reflex.
Should you sneeze through your nose or your mouth?
A sneeze comes out mostly through the mouth and a little through the nose. Question of volume and flow: the nasal cavities are not wide enough to withstand all the pressure of the air expelled during a sneeze. Closing your mouth and sneezing through your nose may be disturbing or even painful for your nostrils and ears. Not to mention that the expelled air would be much more loaded with impurities (mucus, boogers…).
Above all, do not refrain from sneezing
Sneezing in public is not always well seen (especially since the pandemic), but holding back can be dangerous for your health. You can indeed risk infection, weaken your eyeballs, pierce an eardrum, cause severe headaches or nosebleeds… Worse, “Holding in a sneeze can even cause a blood vessel in the brain to rupture due to momentary elevation of blood pressure, causing death”underlined Dr. Gérald Kierzek at European 1.
It’s rare, but serious accidents do happen. In a 2018 study, published in BMJ Case Reports, researchers tell the story of a patient who inflicted a tear in his throat trying to suppress a sneeze. He has since been out of business. “Preventing sneezing by blocking the nostrils and mouth is a dangerous gesture and should be avoided”, warn the authors of this study. Let your nose do the talking!
Sneeze politely, please.
That’s what we can say about the “right way” to sneeze. Without forgetting of course good manners: it is essential to cover your nose and mouth well when you sneeze, because the expelled droplets can spread germs over 1 to 6 meters at the speed of 50 kilometers per hour, notes the Ministry of Solidarity and Health. To limit the risk of contamination, the good reflex is to sneeze into the bend of your elbow or to cover your mouth with a tissue or tissue.