Why you should let it go if you need to sneeze

Sneezes are powerful, travelling up to 320km/h, according to MIT scientists.

When sitting in a quiet theatre or a packed train, stifling a sneeze may seem like the courteous option.

However, doctors in the UK have warned against it after a man ruptured the back of his throat while trying to contain the convulsive explosion of air.

The 34-year-old was admitted to hospital barely able to swallow or speak after pinching his nose and clamping shut his mouth to stop a sneeze. When doctors examined him they also heard strange popping and crackling sounds, which extended from his neck all the way down to his rib cage.

A scan confirmed that air from his lungs had bubbled its way into the deep tissue and muscles of the chest.

Ear, nose and throat specialists at the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust released details of the man's condition in BMJ Case Reports and warned that trying to contain a forceful sneeze could lead to "numerous complications" and even a lethal brain aneurysm.

"Halting sneezing via blocking the nostrils and mouth is a dangerous manoeuvre, and should be avoided," said Dr Wanding Yang, lead author.

Doctors said the man's condition was similar to Boerhaave's syndrome in which the oesophagus is torn as a result of intense retching or vomiting.

But in his case the build-up of pressure from the trapped sneeze caused a rupture higher up in the throat, at the pharynx, which is just behind the tongue.

Sneezes are powerful, travelling up to 320km/h, according to MIT scientists, with the power to eject debris up to 25ft (7.6m).

Previously people have been admitted to hospital suffering from burst eardrums, ruptured blood vessels in the eyes, damaged facial nerves, pulled muscles and even cracked ribs from trying to contain the huge force.

"When you sneeze, air comes out of you at about 150 miles per hour," said Dr. Anthony Aymat, director for ear, nose and throat services at London's University Hospital Lewisham, who was not involved in the case. "If you retain all that pressure, it could do a lot of damage and you could end up like the Michelin Man with air trapped in your body."

Doctors say a sneeze, or sternation, is intended to release foreign and potentially damaging particles, irritants or germs. Stopping it not only risks rupturing the throat, but could encourage the build of bacteria or trigger an asthma attack.

The patient was admitted to hospital where he was fed by a tube and given intravenous antibiotics until the swelling and pain had subsided. After seven days the man, who has not been identified, was well enough to be discharged.

Doctors recommend letting sneezes rip into a tissue instead. And for people still needing to suppress a sneeze, experts advise rubbing the nose, breathing heavily through the nose, or rubbing the area above the lip.

- Daily Telegraph, AP