What would happen if I pinch my nose while I sneeze?

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In summary, pinching your nose while sneezing can cause pressure to build up in the nasal passages and sinuses, potentially leading to complications such as ruptured blood vessels, ear damage, or sinus issues. It can also redirect the force of the sneeze, pushing mucus and irritants back into the sinuses instead of expelling them, which may increase the risk of infections. Overall, it is generally not advisable to suppress a sneeze in this way.
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pctopgs
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I'm curious what would happen if I pinch my nose while I sneeze
hey everyone,

I currently have an ear infection. I'm watching to see if it gets better and it seems like yesterday was the worst of it. Today it's better: I can completely clinch my jaw with minimal pain. I think I'll be ok by Tuesday, but I'm curious about something.

I'm curious what would happen if I pinch my nose while I sneeze, forcing the air through the Eustachian tube? From what I understand, the Eustachian is supposed to relieve air pressure in the ear and drain fluids to the nasal cavity. Normally when I pinch my nose when I sneeze, I get a lot of pressure in my ears because the Eustachian would carry the air that would have gone through my nose to the middle ear. Now that I have an air infection I don't want to risk more injury, but I'm curious as to what would theoretically happen.

Thanks!
 
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  • #2
pctopgs said:
I'm curious what would happen if I pinch my nose while I sneeze
PInching your nose is OK, but do NOT keep your mouth closed. You would blow your head off !
 
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The pressure has to be released somewhere and it likely won't be an optimal or designed area.
 
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pctopgs said:
Now that I have an air infection I don't want to risk more injury
Wise...

pctopgs said:
I'm curious as to what would theoretically happen.
To do that is advised against in case of any nasal infection (and in general, in any case) since it may send not just air but 'stuff' towards your middle ear, so easy to make an ear infection from a nasal one.
It's result is a slightly higher pressure in the ear cavity, usually relieved shortly after the 'event' by natural means.
Also quite inconvenient, by the way. Sometimes painful too.

Though forcing air through the Eustachian tube (well, not by sneezing) and make the sync of internal and external pressure easyer during rapid descent/ascent is a common practice (with similar dangers, of course).
 
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There is an old joke about how to tell if someone is wearing panty hose: their ankles puff when they sneeze....

ok maybe it wasn't sneeze...
 
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FAQ: What would happen if I pinch my nose while I sneeze?

What happens if I pinch my nose while sneezing?

Pinching your nose while sneezing can cause the pressure that is normally released through the nose and mouth to be redirected back into the nasal passages and sinuses. This can potentially lead to complications such as sinus infections, ear infections, or damage to the eardrums.

Can pinching my nose while sneezing cause any serious injuries?

Yes, pinching your nose while sneezing can potentially cause serious injuries. The increased pressure can lead to a ruptured eardrum, damage to blood vessels in the eyes or brain, or even cause a condition called subcutaneous emphysema, where air gets trapped under the skin.

Is it safe to stifle a sneeze by pinching my nose?

Stifling a sneeze by pinching your nose is generally not considered safe. The body generates a significant amount of force during a sneeze, and preventing the release of this force can lead to various health issues, including damage to the nasal passages, sinuses, and eardrums.

What are the alternatives to pinching my nose while sneezing?

Instead of pinching your nose, try to sneeze into a tissue or the crook of your elbow. This helps to contain the spread of germs without redirecting the pressure back into your head and causing potential harm.

Why do some people pinch their nose while sneezing?

Some people pinch their nose while sneezing to avoid making noise or to prevent the spread of germs. However, this practice is not recommended due to the potential health risks. Using a tissue or sneezing into your elbow are safer alternatives.

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