Man's Throat Ruptures After Attempting to Suppress Sneeze
Doctors are warning against stifling sneezes after a man in the UK tore his throat by pinching his nose and closing his mouth to suppress a sneeze. The increased pressure in the upper airways during a stifled sneeze can lead to rare and potentially life-threatening conditions such as tracheal perforation. Sneezing helps protect the body from allergens, germs, and irritants, and doctors advise covering the face with a hand or the inner side of the elbow to prevent the spread of irritants to others.