Why You Shouldn't Hold in a Sneeze

Despite how tempting it might be to hold in a sneeze when you’re in a public location, it’s in the best interest of your body that you just let it all out.

The sneeze is a powerful reflex that expels germs and other unwanted contaminants from your body. Each sneeze produces immense pressures and holding them in forces all that growing pressure to stay within the head.

As Erich P. Voight, MD explains, these high pressures can inflict injuries to sensitive organs residing in the head.

The eardrum, for example, takes much of the brunt from a held-in sneeze. You might also experience added pressure behind the eyes, which can induce other problems like headaches.

While you might make a loud noise from sneezing, it’s a lot healthier for your body if you go with the flow.