The Science of a Sneeze

You know that moment when you feel a sneeze coming on, and you can’t stop it? You try to hold your nose and close your mouth, but it’s too late. The sneeze has already started. And then, before you know it, you’ve let out a loud “achoo!” sound. What exactly happens during a sneeze? Why do we sneeze in the first place? And what are the potential health risks of sneezing? This article seeks to discuss the science of a sneeze.

What is Sneezing?

Sneezing is a reflex action that occurs when your body tries to expel an irritant from your nose. When you feel a sneeze coming on, it’s because something has triggered the nerve fibers in your nose (called the trigeminal nerve). These nerve fibers are responsible for sensing irritation in the nasal passages. The trigeminal nerve then sends a signal to your brain, telling it that there is an irritant in your nose. In response, your brain sends a signal back to your muscles to expel the irritant. This is what causes you to sneeze.

Also Read: NBA 2K23 Game Modes: Complete Guide

What Happens During Sneezing?

When a foreign substance enters your nose, the tiny hairs (called cilia) that line your nasal passages trap the irritant. Studies done by the University of Pennsylvania show that cilia cells are rebooted with a sneeze. The cilia cells can trap more irritants and protect you from getting sick. The cilia then wave back and forth to move the irritant towards the opening of your nose. As the irritant moves closer to the opening of your nose, it stimulates the trigeminal nerve.

The trigeminal nerve is the largest nerve in the head, and it has three main branches. One branch runs through the eyes and forehead, one branch runs through the nose and sinuses, and one branch runs through the jaw and teeth. When the trigeminal nerve is stimulated, it signals to the brain that there is an irritant in the nose. The brain sends a signal back to the muscles to expel the irritant in response. This is what causes you to sneeze.

A series of muscle contractions accomplish the expulsion of the irritant from the nose. First, the muscles in the chest and diaphragm contract. This forces air out of the lungs and into the nose. Then, the throat and mouth muscles contract to close off the airway. This allows the air pressure to build up in the nose. Finally, the muscles in the nose contract to force the air out through the nostrils.

Why Do We Sneeze?

We sneeze because it’s an important reflex that helps to keep our bodies healthy. When an irritant enters the nose, the reflex helps to expel the irritant before it can cause any damage. Sneezing also helps to clear the nasal passages of mucus and other debris.

Sneezing is also a way for our bodies to protect us from harmful viruses and bacteria. We expel tiny droplets of saliva and mucus into the air when we sneeze. These droplets can contain viruses and bacteria. By sneezing, we can spread these viruses and bacteria to other people.

Triggers of Sneezing

1. Allergens

Sneezing is often caused by dust, pollen, or pet dander. When these allergens enter your nose, they trigger the release of histamine. Histamine is a chemical that helps to protect your body against foreign invaders. It does this by causing the blood vessels in your nose to swell and producing mucus. The swelling and mucus production can lead to irritation and a feeling of wanting to sneeze.

• Irritants

Irritants such as smoke, strong smells, or chemicals can trigger a sneeze. These irritants cause the same reaction in your nose as allergens. They cause the blood vessels to swell and produce mucus.

• Cold or Flu

The common cold and flu are both viruses that can cause a runny nose, congestion, and sneezing. When you have a cold or the flu, the virus causes inflammation in your nasal passages. This inflammation can lead to sneezing.

• Bright Light

Bright light can also trigger a sneeze. This is because bright light stimulates the nerve fibers in your nose. When these nerve fibers are stimulated, they send a signal to your brain that can cause you to sneeze.

Potential Health Risks of Sneezing

While sneezing is a natural reflex that helps to protect your body, it can also pose some potential health risks. Below are some of the potential health risks associated with sneezing:

• Spread of diseases

According to a Philadelphia-based ENT doctor, you expel tiny droplets of saliva and mucus into the air when you sneeze. These droplets can contain viruses and bacteria. By sneezing, you can spread these viruses and bacteria to other people.

Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze to help prevent the spread of diseases. You can do this by using a tissue or sneezing into your elbow. Also, wash your hands regularly. This will help remove any viruses or bacteria you may have come into contact with.

• Straining of muscles

The forceful expulsion of air during a sneeze can strain the muscles in your chest and abdomen. This strain can lead to muscle soreness or even a pulled muscle.

• Disruption of the balance

Sneezing can also disrupt your balance. This is because the sudden expulsion of air can cause you to lose your balance and fall. The force of the fall can lead to injuries such as bruises or broken bones.

FAQs About Sneezing

1) Why do people close their eyes when they sneeze?

Most people close their eyes when they sneeze because it helps protect their eyes from the expelled air. The air expelled during a sneeze can contain viruses, bacteria, and other debris. You are less likely to get these things in your eyes by closing your eyes.

2) Is it true that you can die from sneezing?

No, you cannot die from sneezing. Sneezing is a natural reflex that helps to protect your body. It is not harmful and does not pose any severe health risks.

3) How can I stop myself from sneezing?

There is no sure-fire way to stop yourself from sneezing. However, there are some things that you can do to help reduce the chances of sneezing. These include: staying hydrated, avoiding irritants, and using a humidifier.

Conclusion

Sneezing is a natural reflex that helps to protect your body. It is triggered by allergens, irritants, cold or flu viruses, and bright light. While sneezing is not harmful, it can pose some potential health risks, such as spreading diseases and disruptions in balance. To help reduce the chances of sneezing, stay hydrated, avoid irritants, and use a humidifier.