Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Did I Do Some Sort Of Damage By Holding In The Sneeze?
Posted on
Fri, 31 Jul 2020
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Fri, 31 Jul 2020
Answered on
Thu, 7 Aug 2025
Last reviewed on
Question : After holding in a sneeze I had instant pain in my right temple, only lasting about 10-15 seconds. Did I do some sort of damage by holding in the sneeze?
Brief Answer:
Yes it can cause internal trauma as well as vasovagal syncope
Detailed Answer:
Hi!
Welcome to 'Ask A Doctor' service. Thanks for sharing your concerns with us.
We will try to help you in the best way possible. First of all, it's sad to know what you had been going through lately.
Based on the history you have shared, holding the sneeze is never a good idea. As sneeze is a natural phenomenon, for clearing airways if anything in upper airways is irritating the nasal mucosa or nasopharynx.
By holding the sneeze inside all the pressure remains inside, which can go down into airways or into sinuses or towards sensitive cribriform plates etc. Also, vasovagal stimulation can occur which can cause syncope or loss of consciousness.
Though the issue faced by you in the form of headaches can be due to the spread of pressure to sinuses etc. It's better to avoid such practice and during sneeze placing hand or handkerchief is better.
Wishing you a speedy recovery.
Regards
Yes it can cause internal trauma as well as vasovagal syncope
Detailed Answer:
Hi!
Welcome to 'Ask A Doctor' service. Thanks for sharing your concerns with us.
We will try to help you in the best way possible. First of all, it's sad to know what you had been going through lately.
Based on the history you have shared, holding the sneeze is never a good idea. As sneeze is a natural phenomenon, for clearing airways if anything in upper airways is irritating the nasal mucosa or nasopharynx.
By holding the sneeze inside all the pressure remains inside, which can go down into airways or into sinuses or towards sensitive cribriform plates etc. Also, vasovagal stimulation can occur which can cause syncope or loss of consciousness.
Though the issue faced by you in the form of headaches can be due to the spread of pressure to sinuses etc. It's better to avoid such practice and during sneeze placing hand or handkerchief is better.
Wishing you a speedy recovery.
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
