It is dangerous to hold a sneeze

Question

A doctor breaks down whether it's bad to hold in a sneeze, including the potentially dangerous side effects, and explains how to sneeze without spreading germs. This article claims that holding your sneeze can cause your chest to hurt, rupture your eardrum, cause an ear infection, burst a blood vessel, and more. The article cites the Cleveland Clinic which does have an article with similar information (https://health.clevelandclinic.org/dont-stifle-that-sneeze-you-could-get-hurt)

They are also several other articles including https://www.healthline.com/health/holding-in-a-sneeze

https://www.health.com/condition/cold/is-it-just-me-holding-in-sneeze-bad

https://intermountainhealthcare.org/blogs/answers-to-silly-health-questions-and-myths

Answer 1

This article is well backed up and is filled with truthful information.

1.) Basic Sneeze Facts: Sneezing expels droplets at up to 100 miles per hour (American Lung Association citation). Purpose is to clear irritants from nose and throat. Can expel tens of thousands of droplets

1. Primary Research:

• American Journal of Rhinology & Allergy (May 2019): Verified claim about 20x more pressure when holding in sneezes
• Case Reports in Neurological Medicine (January 2015): Documented cases of aneurysms related to forceful sneezes
• American Journal of Otolaryngology (September-October 2021): Case report on laryngeal fractures from violent sneezing

2. Medical Expert:

• Dr. Jason Abramowitz, ENT and Allergy Associates
• Medical Review: Dr. Jennifer Logan, MD, MPH

Comments

I agree that your conclusion is correct, it is bad to hold in a sneeze and your information is all correct. However you did use any sources to back it up. You have a lot of good information but there is nothing in your claim that supports your statements. I would advise that next time you link your sources for others to fact check as well so we know where your information came from. I would also use a few other sources that prove your main source.

Answer 2

According to Health.com there are a lot of risks associated with holding in a sneeze. A list of the potential things that could occur include, " a ruptured eardrum, rupture of superficial blood vessels to the eye or nose, throat or neck pain, and less commonly, rupture of a brain aneurysm or rib fractures. " ( Health.com ). However, according to Dr. Erich Voigt " The risk associated with holding in a sneeze is very low " ( Health.com ). So yes it could be potentially dangerous to hold in a sneeze, however the chance of any consequences is incredibly low. 

https://www.health.com/condition/cold/is-it-just-me-holding-in-sneeze-bad#:~:text=Karis%20Cho%2C%20MD%2C%20is%20a,brain%20aneurysm%20or%20rib%20fractures.