Debunking Myths: Does Your Heart Really Stop When You Sneeze?
By Dr. Nikita Toshi +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr. Nikita Toshi
Last updated: Apr 17, 2024Click to rate this article!
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By Dr. Nikita Toshi +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr. Nikita Toshi
Last updated: Apr 17, 2024Table of Contents
Have you ever sneezed? Sure, you have! Isn’t it funny how such a common event holds so many curiosities? But why do we sneeze?
You’ve probably heard people say, “Your heart stops when you sneeze”. But is it true? We’ll unravel this myth for you. We’ll explain the science of sneezing, and its effects on our hearts, and pick up on hygiene tips.
Did you know?
Do you know sneezing is also known as ‘Sternutation’? But what causes sneezing anyway?
Imagine something tickling your nose before making you sneeze. That’s an irritant at work! Our nervous and muscular systems join forces to throw it out. And they do it pretty fast – up to 80 kilometres per hour!
Want to sneeze less? Stay clear of things that make you sneeze. This might mean getting air purifiers, avoiding certain meds, or wearing sunglasses more.
If you are wondering, does your heart stop when you sneeze? or does sneezing affect your heart? Let’s find out.
Ever heard of the idea that your heart skips a beat when you sneeze? That’s a myth. Your heart doesn’t stop when you sneeze.
Sneezing can change your blood pressure and rhythm temporarily for a very short duration of time.. But don’t worry, your heart keeps beating.
The answer is clear. Sneezing does not stop your heart. The feeling of a skipped beat is due to sudden shifts in blood pressure and heart rate when you sneeze.
A sneeze is just a sudden burst of air expelled from the lungs through the nose and mouth. It doesn’t make your heart stop. A common misconception is that sneezing harms the baby during pregnancy, which is incorrect as the baby is well-protected in the uterus, and even a hard sneeze will not impact the baby.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D. in Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology
A sneeze can spread germs. So, it’s not just about you.
Ever been told to cover your mouth when you sneeze? There’s a reason. A tissue or elbow can keep those germ-filled droplets from spreading.
Uncovered sneezes can send millions of droplets into the air. In times of COVID-19, it’s even more critical to cover up. Hence respiratory etiquettes must be followed always.
Cover your nose with a tissue or your elbow when you sneeze. And wash or sanitize your hands afterward.
When you sneeze, the intrathoracic pressure in your body momentarily increases. This will decrease the blood flow back to the heart. The heart compensates for this by changing its regular heart beat momentarily to adjust. However, the electrical activity of the heart does not stop during the sneeze.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD(Pediatrics)
Sneezing is more than just your body getting rid of irritants. It comes with fun facts and cultural beliefs too!
Sneezing seems like a brief event but plays a vital role in our health.
Even though there are strange ideas out there, sneezing isn’t harmful. It’s an awesome part of being human. It’s not a threat to your heart. Instead, it’s an ally that protects you from harm.
We should listen to our bodies when we sneeze. And, we should always keep things clean so we protect others too. The humble sneeze defends us in a very fast and effective way.
It doesn’t. Even though your heart rhythm and blood pressure may change momentarily when you sneeze, the heart keeps on beating.
Sneezing is your body’s way of getting rid of things in your breathing pathway. You take a deep breath before a sneeze, which creates chest pressure. This pressure gets let out when you sneeze.
Rarely. Very few people might faint after sneezing due to a condition called ‘sneeze syncope’. This is usually due to other health problems though.
To stop a sneezing fit, try inhaling slowly and deeply through your nose, then exhale through your mouth. Pressing a tissue against your nose and keeping your eyes open during a sneeze may also help interrupt the reflex.
No, it is highly unlikely to break a rib solely by sneezing. Sneezing exerts a brief and relatively low force on the ribcage, typically not enough to cause a fracture.
No, sneezing is not a known cause of miscarriage. Miscarriages are generally attributed to factors such as genetic abnormalities, hormonal imbalances, or other medical conditions, but sneezing itself is not considered a risk factor for pregnancy loss.
Teething is not typically associated with sneezing. Sneezing is more likely related to respiratory or environmental factors, such as allergies or exposure to irritants, rather than the teething process.
To stop sneezing, avoid irritants, such as allergens and pollutants. Stay hydrated, maintain a clean environment, and consider using over-the-counter antihistamines for relief from allergies, which often trigger sneezing.
Sneezing in early pregnancy is safe. While the uterus is well-protected and sneezing itself is unlikely to impact pregnancy, it’s essential to prioritize overall health, avoid excessive strain, and consult a healthcare professional for any concerns during pregnancy.
No, sneezing is not a direct cause of a heart attack. While sneezing can briefly increase blood pressure, it is unlikely to trigger a heart attack in healthy individuals. Heart attacks are typically associated with underlying cardiovascular conditions and risk factors.
Sneezing itself does not cause a fever. Sneezing is a reflex to remove irritants from the nasal passages, and fever is generally a response to infections or other medical conditions. If fever accompanies sneezing, it is likely due to an underlying illness rather than the act of sneezing.
Sneezing is unlikely to directly cause ear pain. However, forceful sneezing may occasionally affect the Eustachian tube, leading to temporary discomfort or pressure in the ears. Persistent or severe ear pain should be evaluated by a healthcare professional to rule out any underlying issues.
Sneezing is not a common symptom of COVID-19. The typical symptoms include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. While some individuals may experience mild respiratory symptoms, such as a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing is not a prominent feature of COVID-19.
Sneezing does not have a direct or lasting impact on the brain. It is a reflex triggered by irritation in the nasal passages and is a protective mechanism to expel irritants. While the act of sneezing may briefly alter blood flow, it does not affect cognitive function or brain structure.
Sneezing itself does not significantly burn calories. While the body does expend a small amount of energy during the act of sneezing, the calorie burn is minimal, and it is not an effective or sustainable method for weight loss or calorie expenditure.
Sneezing is not a recognized or effective method for relieving gas. Gas in the digestive system is typically addressed through natural processes like burping or passing gas, and sneezing does not play a role in this aspect of gastrointestinal function.
Sneezing itself should not cause pain in the arms. If you’re experiencing arm pain during a sneeze, it may be coincidental or related to an underlying condition. Consult a healthcare professional to rule out any potential issues with the cardiovascular system or nerves.
Peeing when sneezing may be a result of stress urinary incontinence, which is common, especially in women. The increased abdominal pressure during a sneeze can temporarily overwhelm weakened pelvic floor muscles, leading to unintentional urine leakage. Consultation with a healthcare professional can provide guidance on managing or addressing this issue.
While it is possible to sneeze with your eyes open, it is generally advised to close them as a reflex to protect the eyes from potential irritants. The myth that eyes would pop out if sneezing with them open is not accurate; however, it’s a natural instinct to blink or close the eyes during a sneeze.
Sneezing after eating may be triggered by a variety of factors, including sensitivity to certain foods, allergies, or nasal irritants. It could also be a response to stomach pressure affecting the vagus nerve, leading to a reflexive sneeze. If the issue persists or is bothersome, consulting with a healthcare professional is advisable.
There is no direct evidence linking sneezing to the development of a hernia. However, excessive and forceful sneezing may potentially contribute to increased intra-abdominal pressure, which could be a factor in the formation or exacerbation of hernias in susceptible individuals. It’s advisable to consult with a medical professional for personalized advice.
Sneezing itself is unlikely to directly cause chest pain, but it may exacerbate existing chest conditions or muscle strain. If chest pain persists or is severe, it is crucial to seek medical attention to rule out underlying issues and ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.
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