What actually happens when you hold in a sneeze? It's dangerous.

Added: 2026-05-07

[00:00:00]What happens inside your body when you hold in a sneeze?

[00:00:02]What actually happens when you block a sneeze with your hand? A sneeze travels at over 160 km/h. Blocking it leaves that force nowhere to go.

[00:00:08]The pressure reverses into your eardrums. Ruptured eardrums have been reported. Blood vessels in the eyes can burst. Blindness cases exist.

[00:00:14]The arteries in your neck can tear, a condition called arterial dissection.

[00:00:17]The internal pressure has fractured ribs.

[00:00:19]Every one of these injuries is in medical journals. All from holding one sneeze.

[00:00:23]Never hold it in. A sneeze is your body's pressure release valve.