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Business & Tech

Is It Really Unhealthy to Stop a Sneeze? You Bet It Is

Ear, nose and throat specialist Dr. Joseph Donzelli of Midwest ENT answers the most-asked questions from patients like you.

With cold and flu season now in full swing, that can mean pain and irritation in your nose and throat—sneezing, sinus troubles, allergy issues, hoarseness and in some cases, the dreaded  nose bleed.

Here are some common questions from actual patients and answers from Dr. Joseph Donzelli of Midwest ENT.

Q: What exactly is a sneeze?

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A: Sneezing is a natural response that allows your body to clear unwanted items or irritants from your nose.

Q: What is the main cause of sneezing?

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A: Typically, allergies are the root cause of sneezing, which means individuals can usually treat the cause.

Q: How can an individual prevent persistent sneezing?

A: Sneezing can be prevented by simply reducing interaction with irritants, such as keeping pets out ofthe house to avoid animal dander, timely removal of dust particles in the household or staying awayfrom industrial zones.

Q: Is it unhealthy to stop a sneeze?

A: Yes, a sneeze can propel air at speeds up to 100 mph, so an individual should never physically try to stop a sneeze.

Q: What harmful effects can stopping a sneeze have on your ear, nose or throat?

A: Depending on the location of stopping the sneeze, either at your voice box, nose or mouth, different negative effects can occur. The nose and mouth are the last chance to stop the sneeze, resulting in the back up of pressure into your sinuses and potentially into your ears via the eustachian tube. If you stop the sneeze at the voice box, you will create a valsalva, raising thoracic pressure much like a hard cough.

ABOUT THIS WEEK'S "ENT ANSWERS" DOCTOR: Joseph Donzelli, MD

Dr. Joseph Donzelli joined Midwest ENT Consultants in 1998. He specializes in ear, nose and throat problems of both children and adults. He has been awarded the Top Physician Award in 2009 and 2010 as well as having been listed as a Top Doctor in multiple years for Chicago’s Consumer Checkbook. 

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