What will happen if you hold your nose while sneeze?

Sneezing with your nose held shut can cause many unpleasant and even dangerous issues. Here's what can happen:

Pressure Buildup: When you sneeze, your body generates a build-up of air pressure in the nasal passages and lungs. Holding your nose traps this pressure and prevents its release.

Nasal Congestion and Pain: The trapped pressure can cause congestion in your nose and sinus cavities, leading to pain and discomfort.

Ear Damage: The pressure from holding your nose during a sneeze can travel through the Eustachian tubes, connecting the nose and ears. This pressure can cause ear pain, temporary hearing loss, or even rupture the eardrums in extreme cases.

Eye Damage: The force of a sneeze can also cause increased pressure on the eyes, potentially leading to eye pain or, in rare cases, retinal detachment.

Risk of Infection: Holding your nose while sneezing can force air and nasal secretions back into the sinuses and Eustachian tubes. This can increase the risk of sinus infections and ear infections.

Headaches: The sudden and intense pressure buildup can trigger headaches or exacerbate existing migraines.

Dizziness: In some individuals, holding their nose during a sneeze can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, leading to dizziness or even fainting.

Breathing Difficulties: Holding your nose while sneezing can hinder normal breathing patterns and cause shortness of breath.

It is important to remember that holding your nose while sneezing is not a recommended practice due to the potential risks involved. If you feel the urge to sneeze, let it happen naturally and cover your nose with a tissue or your elbow.