The Dangers of Holding in a Sneeze: A Cautionary Tale
A case study published in the BMJ Case Reports journal describes the first known instance of a man tearing a small hole in his windpipe while attempting to suppress a sneeze. The man experienced severe neck pain and swelling after stifling his sneezes by pinching his nose and closing his mouth. Medical tests revealed a tear in his windpipe, which healed completely after a few weeks of recuperation. The researchers caution that the pressure inside the upper airways during a sneeze can increase significantly, and suppressing a sneeze can lead to serious injuries.