Will holding back sneeze kill you?

Holding back a sneeze can potentially have negative consequences, although it is extremely rare for it to be life-threatening. When you sneeze, your body releases a powerful burst of air to clear irritants from your nasal passages. Attempting to stifle or suppress a sneeze can create pressure within your head and potentially cause various issues such as:

1. Ruptured blood vessels: Holding back a sneeze can generate excessive pressure in the blood vessels and potentially lead to their rupture. While this is rare, it can potentially occur in delicate blood vessels, such as those in the head or neck.

2. Middle ear damage: The pressure generated when holding back a sneeze can impact the middle ear. This can result in damage to the eardrum, hearing loss, or other ear-related problems.

3. Sinus issues: Suppressing a sneeze can disrupt the normal flow of air and mucus within the sinuses, potentially leading to sinus problems or discomfort.

While these risks exist, it's important to note that they are highly uncommon. Most people can safely hold back a sneeze without experiencing any adverse effects. However, it is generally recommended to allow sneezes to occur naturally and avoid forcibly suppressing them whenever possible.