Man's Sneezing Mishap Leads to Rare Windpipe Tear

In the first known case of its kind, a man tore a small hole in his windpipe after attempting to hold in a sneeze. The man experienced severe pain and swelling in his neck, but did not have any issues with breathing, swallowing, or talking. Doctors discovered that the tear was caused by a rapid build-up of pressure in the trachea while sneezing with a pinched nose and closed mouth. While such injuries are rare, doctors warn against stifling sneezes in this manner as it can result in tracheal perforation.