Why Do We Sneeze

A sneeze is a powerful burst of air that shoots out of your nose and mouth. Your body sneezes to get rid of things that irritate the inside of your nose. Dust, pollen, pepper, and germs can all trigger a sneeze. It is one of your body's ways of protecting itself.

How a Sneeze Works

When something irritates the lining of your nose, nerve signals race to your brain. Your brain tells your body to sneeze. Your chest muscles squeeze, your throat closes briefly, and then a powerful blast of air shoots out. A sneeze can travel up to 100 miles per hour. It pushes out whatever was bothering your nose.

Interesting Sneeze Facts

You cannot sneeze with your eyes open. Your body automatically closes your eyes as part of the sneeze reflex. Bright sunlight makes some people sneeze. This is called the photic sneeze reflex and it affects about 25 percent of people. Sneezes spread millions of tiny droplets into the air.

Fun Facts

• A single sneeze can spray about 40,000 tiny droplets into the air.
• The longest sneezing fit on record lasted 976 days.
• Your heart does not actually stop when you sneeze, even though it can feel like it.

Did You Know?

It is impossible to sneeze while you are asleep. When you are sleeping, the nerves that trigger sneezes are resting too. You would have to wake up first before you could sneeze!