The Dangers of Holding in a Sneeze: Man Tears Throat in Rare Incident
Doctors are warning against stifling sneezes after a man in Scotland tore a hole in his throat while attempting to suppress a sneeze while driving. The man experienced shooting neck pain and was diagnosed with a spontaneous tracheal perforation. CT scans revealed the torn windpipe. The case, reported in BMJ Case Reports, was described as a rare and potentially life-threatening complication. Experts advise letting sneezes out naturally to prevent such injuries and recommend covering the face with a hand or inner side of the elbow to prevent the spread of irritants.
