What Happens If We Never Sneeze?

Never sneezing could be detrimental to your health. Without the forceful expulsion of air from your nose and mouth, potentially harmful substances could remain trapped in your sinuses or lungs. This could lead to various health problems.

Sneezing is a vital reflex mechanism that protects your respiratory system. It forcefully expels irritants, such as dust, pollen, and pathogens (disease-causing microorganisms), from your body. If you never sneezed, these irritants would accumulate, potentially leading to:

• Sinus infections: Irritation and infection may build up in your sinuses due to the accumulation of trapped irritants. As stated in one source, "If we didn't sneeze, our bodies could allow potentially damaging substances into our sinuses or lungs."
• Respiratory infections: Pathogens that would normally be expelled through sneezing could remain in your respiratory tract, increasing your risk of respiratory infections like pneumonia or bronchitis.
• Lung problems: The build-up of irritants in the lungs could contribute to long-term lung problems.

Consequences of Suppressing Sneezes

While not the same as never sneezing, suppressing a sneeze is also risky. Attempts to stifle a sneeze can lead to:

• Sinus pain and congestion: By preventing the expulsion of irritants, you push them back into your sinuses causing discomfort. Sources confirm that suppressing a sneeze can push mucus and irritants back into your sinuses, leading to congestion and pain.
• Ear infections: Pressure changes from a suppressed sneeze can potentially lead to ear infections.
• Rib fractures and severe neck pain: The immense force of a sneeze can cause serious injury if forcefully restrained. One source highlights the rare but potential risks of rib fractures and severe neck pain.
• Ruptured brain aneurysms: While extremely rare, the pressure from holding back a sneeze could theoretically rupture a weakened brain aneurysm, which can have life-threatening consequences.

It's crucial to understand that sneezing is a natural reflex, and you should never attempt to suppress it. The risks of holding back a sneeze far outweigh any perceived inconvenience.