Holding in a sneeze is the worst isn’t it? There are times when you have to do it, even though it just feels wrong. Indeed, the 2ov crew try to adhere to a strict ‘no sneezing in public’ approach, as it is in no uncertain terms (according to Seth) a sign of weakness.

But, have you ever wondered what really happens to your innards when you suppress a sneeze? If the Times is to be believed, it’s nothing good.

I’ve seen patients with a ruptured eardrum or pulled back muscles, and you hear about cracked ribs,” says Dr. Michael Benninger, an ear, nose and throat doctor.

This might sound a bit over the top, but not when you consider that a really big sneezearoo can have you blasting air out of your nose at an insane 500 miles an hour.

If you redirect that force inward, your suppressed sneeze can send waves of force rippling through your head and body.

I won’t bore you further with the science of sneezing, but Dr Benninger has two pieces of advice that I feel inclined to share with you.

1. Don’t hold in a sneeze.

If you feel one coming on and you want to stop it, rubbing your nose can help,” he says. For patients who may feel pain when sneezing—those who’ve recently undergone surgery or broken a bone—Benninger advises opening your mouth wide to minimize a sneeze’s strength. “It’s like forcing water through a pipe,” he says. “If the air can escape through your nose and mouth, that creates less pressure than forcing it through a smaller opening.”

2. For the love of God, catch it. Not in your hand though, that’s gross – catch it in the crook of your elbow.

We know sneezing can project smaller particles 10 to 12 feet, so it’s important to cover your mouth,” Benninger says. “But if you sneeze into your hand, everything you touch is going to be contagious.” Your clothes help absorb particles, and you probably won’t be touching much with the inside of your arm, he adds.

So now you know.

For more on this read the full article HERE.

[source: Time]