The Dangers of Holding in a Sneeze: Man's Windpipe Rips Open
A man in the UK tore open his windpipe after holding in a sneeze, which is believed to be the first documented case of such an injury. The man, who had a history of hay fever, experienced severe neck pain after stifling his sneeze by pinching his nose and closing his mouth. Medical tests revealed a spontaneous tracheal perforation, a hole in his windpipe. While more serious cases require urgent surgery, the man was treated conservatively with painkillers and allergy medication, and his tear healed completely after five weeks. Holding in sneezes can lead to rare but serious complications, and doctors advise against it.