Sneezing 101
By: Gabbi Di Marino - content manager and fellow allergy sufferer
Sneezing - we all do it. Maybe you're the type of person that sneezes three times in a row or whose sneeze is so loud it seems like it's breaking the sound barrier. Whatever kind of sneezer you are, you've probably down it a whole lot throughout your life. But how much do you know about it? Let's break down some interesting facts about sneezing!
What is the purpose of a sneeze?
Think of sneezes as your body's way of clearing out possibly harmful bacteria and viruses.
When something enters your nose, an alarm goes off in your brain to get the body ready to sneeze. First, your throat, eyes, and mouth start to tighten up, and after that, your chest muscles will contract. Your throat then relaxes super quickly, forcing air, mucus, and saliva out of you.
How fast is a sneeze?
Pretty darn fast! The average sneeze travels up to 100 MPH!
What are some random things that can make you sneeze?
It's not just about germs entering your nose that can trigger sneezes. It turns out there's a fair amount of everyday things that can get your nose all riled up. One of those things is eyebrow plucking, which can trigger the nerves of your nasal passages, making you sneeze!
Another everyday thing that can cause an achoo moment is sunshine! One out of three people have what is called photic sneeze reflex, and it's also a condition that's passed down genetically!
Exercise is another sneezing culprit. When you get yourself all worked up, your nose and throat start to dry out, and your body responds by making your nose drip. This, in turn, can make you sneeze!
What is the longest anyone has sneezed?
A whopping 978 days! Donna Griffiths of Worchestershire, England, set the record.
Does your heart stop when you sneeze?
Many people may hear this from time to time, but the truth is, your heart does not stop when you sneeze! The rhythm of your heart may change, as blood flow is temporarily restricted, but it doesn't completely stop!
Do you sneeze in your sleep?
When you're conked out for the night, so are the nerves that usually trigger a sneeze! As long as you're in deep REM sleep, your nose will be dormant for the night.
If you didn't know much about sneezing before reading this, you're practically an expert now! And, if you're looking to give your nose some extra attention, try reading our blog post on smell training!
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