Achoo! — we all recognize this sound. However, sneezing is a much more complex and fascinating physiological process than it may seem. Below are 12 unusual but scientifically proven facts about sneezing that many people have never heard of.

1. Sneezing is a reflex

Sneezing is the body’s automatic reaction to irritants entering the lining of the nose (dust, pollen, animal dander, etc.).
When these particles reach the nasal passages, the brain sends a signal to expel them.

During a sneeze:

• you take a deep breath,

• the chest muscles contract,

• air is forced out through the nose at high pressure.

2. Sneezing “refreshes” the nasal passages

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania discovered that sneezing helps reset, renew, and clear the nasal mucosa.
The body needs to regularly eliminate accumulated irritants — and sneezing is the most efficient way to do it.

3. Your heart does not stop when you sneeze

This is a very common myth.
Sneezing does not stop the heart. However, changes in chest pressure can briefly alter the heart’s rhythm.

4. A sneeze can travel at over 100 miles per hour (160 km/h)

Air bursts out of the nose at incredible speed, which is why sneezes are often loud.
The stronger the sneeze, the faster the air moves.

5. A sneeze spray can travel more than 1.5 meters (5 feet)

This is why covering your mouth and nose with your elbow when sneezing is extremely important.

Dr. Marjorie L. Slankard (Columbia–NewYork Presbyterian Medical Center) explains:
“A sneeze creates very strong air pressure, and mucus particles can travel long distances in tiny droplets.”

6. Sneezing is actually a mini workout

During a sneeze, the following muscles actively contract:

• throat,

• chest,

• diaphragm,

• abdominal muscles.

It’s like a small, involuntary “exercise move” that shakes the body.

7. The color of your mucus reveals important information

It is normal for the nose to produce 1–2 cups of mucus per day. Healthy mucus is clear.

If it becomes:

• yellow,

• green,

• brown,

this may indicate an infection.
The color changes due to white blood cells fighting off pathogens.

8. One sneeze can release up to 40,000 droplets

This is why sneezing into your elbow is medically justified and strongly recommended.

9. Your eyes close automatically when you sneeze

This is a mandatory reflex controlled by the brain.
When the brain receives the sneeze signal, it simultaneously sends a command for the eyelids to close.
It is physically impossible to sneeze with your eyes open.

10. Holding in a sneeze can be dangerous

Although rare, documented cases exist. Suppressing a sneeze can cause:

• ruptured blood vessels in the eyes,

• damage to blood vessels in the brain,

• a perforated eardrum.

Otolaryngologist Alan Wild (Saint Louis University) warns:
“Trying to hold in a sneeze is dangerous and never recommended.”

However, to reduce the urge to sneeze, you can:

• gently rub your nose,

• take a deep breath,

• press your upper lip just under your nose.

11. You cannot sneeze while sleeping

During sleep, the nerves responsible for sneezing are inactive.
This is why no one sneezes while asleep — the body temporarily “disables” the reflex.

12. Sneezing several times in a row is not random

Dr. Slankard explains:
Sneezing is the body’s mechanism for clearing the nose of irritants.
Sometimes it takes multiple sneezes to fully remove them.

Conclusion

Sneezing is a complex protective reflex of our body.
Although it seems simple, powerful physiological processes occur behind the scenes.
Therefore, instead of suppressing a sneeze, it is important to sneeze correctly — by covering your mouth and nose — to protect both yourself and those around you.