Sneezing, an impressive human action, expels mucus and air from the nose and mouth at speeds of up to 100 miles per hour. In some instances, stifling a forceful sneeze can lead to damage to the eardrums or sinuses.
A recent case study in the British Medical Journal describes the experience of a healthy 34-year-old man in the UK who inadvertently injured his throat while attempting to suppress a sneeze. The suppressed sneeze resulted in the rupture of soft tissue in his throat, causing swelling and a change in his voice.
X-ray results indicated that the pressure built up from the stifled sneeze caused the throat's delicate tissue to tear. This tissue, known as the pharynx, connects the mouth and nose to the esophagus. The tearing also produced air bubbles in his neck's soft tissue, leading to a popping sensation.
Due to concerns about potential infection, the man received medical care, including a feeding tube and antibiotics, during his hospitalization. After about a week, he was discharged once his neck's injuries had healed.
Sneezing serves as the body's natural defense mechanism to expel irritants from the respiratory system. It involves the buildup of pressure in the lungs, followed by a forceful release of air up the esophagus and through the nose and mouth. However, when these pathways are obstructed, the accumulated pressure seeks alternative means of escape.