Why You Should Never Hold Back A Sneeze ?

By Vanshika Gaur
31 May 2025, 19:30 IST

Sneezing is the body’s natural way to remove irritants from the nose; however, holding back a sneeze might be harmful for our body, as the built-up pressure may damage numerous parts of the body. Tap to know how!

Sinus Damage

When we hold back a sneeze , the air flows into the sinuses at high pressure, causing inflammation and rupturing tiny blood vessels.

Rupturing Of Chest

Forcefully stopping a sneeze can send the high air pressure into the chest cavity, leading to chest pain, difficulty breathing, and in rare cases, a chest rupture.

Throat Damage

When we stop a sneeze, the air can cause the throat lining to tear or rupture, leading to swelling, pain, and throat damage.

Headaches

Holding back a sneeze can trigger tension in the head, neck, and face, leading to headaches or facial discomfort.

Risk Of Ruptured Eardrums

When we hold in a sneeze, the built-up air pressure can travel into the middle-ear, potentially rupturing the eardrum and causing pain, hearing loss, and more.

Spine Injuries

The sudden internal air pressure can strain the muscles, especially in people with cervical spine conditions.

Information Credits

According to PubMed, holding back a sneeze can rupture the chest, eardrum, and more. It is advisable to consult a healthcare professional if you experience any injuries.