Suppressing your sneeze or cough can be fatal say experts. Here’s why

Recently, in a bizarre and scary news, a British man ended up with a ripped hole in his throat as a result of suppressing his sneeze. The patient was believed to have clamped his mouth shut and blocked his nostrils to prevent himself from sneezing in a public place.

Experiencing symptoms like pain while swallowing, change in voice and swelling in the neck made him seek medical attention. This was when the doctors diagnosed the rare case of rupturing the pharynx in the throat.

The incident brought to light the risk of suppressing your sneeze. Most people also do the same for coughing which can be even more dangerous. Mid-day Online got health experts to delve deep into the health risks of holding back sneezes and coughs.

Explaining the possible cause behind the man's damaged throat, Dr Sheetal Radia, consultant otorhinolaryngology and head and neck oncosurgery, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road says, "When one sneezes, the body responds with a powerful and uncontrollable burst of air and mucous. By holding in a sneeze, this built-up pressure has nowhere to go but back into the respiratory system. The force of a suppressed sneeze can cause damage to the delicate tissues of the windpipe, leading to tears or ruptures."

Adding to this Dr Sanjiv Badhwar, consultant and head, ENT services, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital Mumbai says, "High activity exhalation generates a pressure of 200 pascals, sneezing generates 7000 pascals, but holding a sneeze may generate pressure up to more than five times the normal, resulting in damage to weak areas of windpipe like areas between thyrohyoid and cricothyroid membrane which can cause a rupture."

Sneezing and coughing are the body's natural phenomena
Sneezing is one way our bodies expel viruses and bacteria from our respiratory system. By holding back a sneeze and trapping those particles inside, that one could be prolonging our sickness or spreading germs to others.

According to Badhwar, sneezing and coughing is a natural reflex that helps in clearing mucous from the body. "Holding back your sneeze or cough can cause damage to the ear, chest and airways, rupture the eardrum, emphysema, and vessels of the eye."

Similarly, Radia states, "When you suppress a sneeze, the pressure that would have been released through the sneeze has to go somewhere, often leading to potential damage in the nasal passages, middle ear, or even the lungs. The force of a suppressed sneeze can cause ear infections and ruptured eardrums, and in severe cases, it can even lead to pneumothorax - a rare condition where air is trapped in the chest causing a lung to collapse. Also, suppressing a sneeze can raise the chances of spreading infections."

When one sneezes, the body expels airborne irritants such as dust, allergens, or viruses, helping to prevent them from entering the respiratory system. This helps to keep the airways clear and reduces the risk of developing severe respiratory illnesses.

Holding back coughing
When one coughs, it's the body's way of clearing the airways and getting rid of irritants or mucous. By suppressing this natural reflex, one can allow these irritants to linger in the airways and potentially lead to infections such as pneumonia or bronchitis.

Furthermore, experts state that frequent suppression of coughing can also lead to a build-up of mucous in the lungs, increasing the risk of respiratory issues and complications.

Suppressing coughing also causes anxiety and stress as individuals try to stifle their natural reflexes, leading to overall discomfort and unease.

Coughing is a protective mechanism by clearing mucous and foreign particles from the airways. It helps to expel excess mucous produced during an illness, preventing it from accumulating in the lungs.

Additionally, both sneezing and coughing can help relieve pressure in the sinuses and chest, providing temporary relief from congestion caused by colds or allergies.

Everything wrong with tips to prevent sneezing and coughing
Most people find sneezing or coughing in front of people embarrassing, especially in public places. We often come across tips that are used to help us prevent ourselves from being embarrassed in public. This includes pressing the nostrils shut to kill the urge to sneeze or drinking water to push down the urge to cough.

While it may seem courteous to suppress a sneeze or cough in public spaces, doing so can be detrimental to health. Sneezing and coughing are the body's way of expelling irritants, viruses, and bacteria from the respiratory system. By suppressing these actions, you could be trapping harmful particles inside your body or prolonging illness by preventing your body from effectively clearing out pathogens.

Moreover, in certain situations such as during a pandemic or flu season, stifling a sneeze or cough could increase the risk of spreading contagious diseases. Instead of focusing on how to suppress these natural reflexes, doctors suggest that one should shift the attention towards practicing good respiratory hygiene and encouraging others to do the same.

Holding a sneeze or cough can turn fatal
"Holding in a sneeze or cough poses potential risks to your health, and in extreme cases, could even lead to death," says Radia. When you sneeze or cough, the body expels air and particles at high velocity. By suppressing these natural reflexes, the pressure can build up in the respiratory system and cause damage to the delicate tissues in the throat, lungs, or sinuses. In rare cases, this can lead to ruptured blood vessels, collapsed lungs, or sinus injuries. The resulting complications from suppressing a powerful sneeze or cough can be severe and potentially life-threatening.

See a doctor if suppressing a sneeze or cough leads to discomfort
Radia and Badhwar state that when someone suppresses a sneeze or cough and begins to experience discomfort, it's crucial to seek medical help. This is in case the condition worsens. However, if one has been holding back the urge to sneeze and cough, it is essential for them to immediately let go of the suppression and allow the natural reflex to take place.

If it is a public space, immediately find a safe place to release the sneeze or cough without hesitation. By allowing the body to expel the irritants naturally, they can prevent potential harm and alleviate any discomfort experienced during suppression.

People need to remember that sneezing and coughing are vital defence mechanisms of the body and should not be suppressed. Embracing these natural responses is essential for maintaining respiratory health and overall well-being.

Taking a moment to pause, take deep breaths, and then allow oneself to sneeze or cough freely can make a significant difference in preventing further discomfort or complications.

The body's other natural phenomena that we tend to suppress but shouldn't
Besides sneezing and coughing, vomiting is another natural phenomenon of the body that many try to hold back. Although unpleasant, it serves as a way for the body to expel harmful substances or irritants. It's important not to suppress vomiting as it can help prevent further harm by quickly getting rid of toxins that may have been ingested.

Another natural occurrence that should not be suppressed is yawning. It is the body's way of regulating its oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, and it also helps to cool the brain. It serves as a physiological tool for maintaining alertness and mental efficiency. By allowing yawning to happen naturally, we are helping our bodies maintain proper functioning and promoting overall well-being.

Disclaimer: This information does not replace professional medical advice. Consult a qualified specialist or your physician for personalised guidance.