Questions? We are here for you! 1-877-MY DOC NOW (1-877-693-6266)
Save time, book your reservation online HERE
Why do we sneeze? There are many different reasons why a sneeze occurs. Our noses are like little sensors, they can detect if a foreign body is entering into our nasal passage way. When it enters, this tickles the cilia, which are tiny, hair-like projections that line our nostrils and sinuses-causing us to project a sneeze. The action of sneezing clears the nasal passageway of debris and allows the cilia to protect us from any germs, dust, pollen, or pollutants that are trying to enter.
Here is the pathway of a sneeze:
An intruder enters the cilia -> the brain sends a signal to get rid of the intruder -> a deep breath is triggered (which gets held in the lungs) -> chest muscles get tight and there is a tremendous build-up of pressure -> the tongue pushes on the roof of the mouth and a breath comes out quick through the nose -> the eye muscles tense up and close -> finally, the sneeze.
Sneezes coincide with germs and with flu season upon us, it’s significant to note that a sneeze can travel up to 100 miles per hour and land up to 30 feet away. After a sneeze, it’s essential to keep your workplace, school, or home clean. Please be sure to grab a tissue to entrap all the bacteria. Always wash your hands after you expel a sneeze. If there is no tissue around, the best alternative would be to sneeze into your elbow that way you don’t spread around the bacteria. Sneezing into your hands is not really a good option because not all the bacteria and debris can be blocked by your hands and you will have bacteria on your hands which can easily be transferred to something or someone else.
DID YOU KNOW?
Rebooting our noses- Did you know that when we sneeze, we give our noses a “restart”? According to ScienceDaily, “Much like a temperamental computer, our noses require a “reboot” when overwhelmed, and this biological reboot is triggered by the pressure force of a sneeze. When a sneeze works properly, it resets the environment within nasal passages so “bad” particles breathed in through the nose can be trapped.”
Make up + sneezing = a BIG No No – Sometimes a sneeze may come on as soon as you are finishing up your beautiful makeup for a big special day, what do you do? Step away from the makeup products. Walk into another room if possible because if you sneeze on your products bacteria may enter them and cause an infection to your eye.
Sunlight sneezes – There are actually people who have inherited an unusual trait that causes them to sneeze any time they step out into the sunlight. The term for this is “photic sneezers.”
Sternutation? – This is a fancy way to say the act of sneezing. Per the Guinness World Records, Donna Griffiths in 1983 sneezed over a million times before having her first sneeze free day! Typically, this occurs because the debris within our nose may be too heavy or big to expel in just one single sneeze.
How to prevent a sneeze – This is not bulletproof, but if needed, breathe through your mouth and pinch the end of your nose.
Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/03/14/sneezing-facts-didnt-know_n_4936611.html
Questions? We are here for you! 1-877-MY DOC NOW (1-877-693-6266)
Save time, book your reservation online HERE
The information provided is for general interest only and should not be misconstrued as a diagnosis, prognosis or treatment recommendation. This information does not in any way constitute the practice of medicine, or any other health care profession. Readers are directed to consult their health care provider regarding their specific health situation. Marque Medical is not liable for any action taken by a reader based upon this information.