How to Stop a Sneeze: The Art and Science of Nasal Suppression
Picture yourself in the middle of a silent library, a solemn wedding ceremony, or perhaps during that crucial moment in a job interview when your boss-to-be is explaining something terribly important. Suddenly, you feel it—that unmistakable tickle building in your nasal passages, threatening to explode into what could be the most poorly-timed sneeze of your life. We've all been there, desperately trying to stifle nature's most inconvenient reflex while maintaining some semblance of dignity.
Understanding the Sneeze Mechanism
Before diving into suppression techniques, it's worth understanding what we're actually dealing with here. A sneeze, or sternutation if you want to impress people at parties, is essentially your body's bouncer—forcefully ejecting unwanted guests from your nasal nightclub. When irritants like dust, pollen, or that overpowering perfume from the person next to you on the subway trigger sensory receptors in your nose, they send an urgent telegram to your brain's "sneeze center" located in the medulla oblongata.
This neurological chain reaction is surprisingly complex. Your body coordinates multiple muscle groups, temporarily closes your eyes (yes, it's nearly impossible to sneeze with them open), and generates air speeds that can reach up to 100 miles per hour. That's faster than most residential speed limits, which explains why a sneeze can feel like such a violent event.
The Pressure Point Method
Now, I discovered this technique quite by accident during a particularly dusty attic exploration. By pressing firmly on the area just below your nose—that little groove between your nostrils and upper lip called the philtrum—you can often short-circuit an incoming sneeze. The pressure seems to interfere with the nerve signals traveling to your sneeze center, like putting your thumb over a garden hose.
Some people swear by pressing their tongue firmly against the roof of their mouth, particularly toward the back. I've had mixed results with this one, but when it works, it's remarkably effective. The trick is timing—you need to apply the pressure at that critical moment when you feel the sneeze building but before it reaches the point of no return.
Breathing Techniques That Actually Work
Here's something most people don't realize: you can often derail a sneeze by manipulating your breathing pattern. When you feel that familiar tingle, try breathing slowly and deeply through your mouth instead of your nose. This bypasses the irritated nasal passages and can sometimes calm things down enough to avoid the sneeze entirely.
Another approach involves holding your breath for a few seconds when you first feel the urge. This creates a brief pause in the reflex arc, sometimes long enough for the sensation to pass. Just don't hold it too long—passing out is definitely more disruptive than sneezing.
The Distraction Principle
Our brains, despite their impressive capabilities, aren't great multitaskers when it comes to reflexes. You can exploit this limitation by creating a competing sensation. Pinching yourself (gently!) on the arm or leg can sometimes override the sneeze signal. I've also found that suddenly focusing intensely on something—counting backwards from 100 by sevens, for instance—can occasionally derail an impending sneeze.
Some folks have success with the "look at a bright light" method, though this one's a bit paradoxical since bright lights can also trigger sneezes in about 18-35% of the population (a phenomenon called photic sneeze reflex). If you're not sure which camp you fall into, maybe save this experiment for when you're not in the middle of a quiet yoga class.
When Suppression Becomes Dangerous
Let me be clear about something: while stopping the occasional sneeze is generally harmless, making a habit of it isn't advisable. Sneezes exist for a reason—they're your body's way of clearing irritants from your nasal passages. Regularly suppressing them is like never taking out the trash; eventually, things are going to get unpleasant.
More concerning is the practice of stifling a sneeze that's already in progress by pinching your nose closed. This can cause serious problems, from ruptured eardrums to damaged blood vessels. I once knew someone who actually fractured a rib trying to suppress a particularly violent sneeze. The pressure has to go somewhere, and if it can't exit through your nose and mouth, it'll find other, potentially harmful routes.
Cultural Perspectives on Sneeze Suppression
Interestingly, attitudes toward sneezing vary wildly across cultures. In Japan, sneezing in public is considered quite rude, leading to a cultural emphasis on suppression techniques. Meanwhile, in parts of Eastern Europe, a hearty sneeze is almost celebrated—suppressing it might even be seen as unhealthy or unnatural.
I spent some time in Germany where they have this wonderful tradition of saying "Gesundheit" (health) after someone sneezes, but I noticed people there seemed less concerned about suppressing sneezes in the first place. Perhaps there's something to be said for a culture that acknowledges and accepts our bodily functions rather than constantly trying to control them.
Alternative Approaches
If you're someone who sneezes frequently, it might be worth addressing the root cause rather than constantly playing sneeze police. Common triggers include dust mites, pet dander, certain foods, and environmental allergens. Keeping your living space clean, using air purifiers, and identifying specific triggers can reduce the frequency of sneeze attacks.
Some people find relief through nasal irrigation—using a neti pot or saline spray to flush irritants from the nasal passages. It's not the most glamorous solution, but it can be remarkably effective for chronic sneezers.
The Philosophy of Letting It Happen
Sometimes, the best approach is simply to sneeze gracefully. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or the crook of your elbow (never your hands—that's how germs throw parties), turn away from others, and let nature take its course. There's something to be said for accepting our human moments rather than constantly fighting against them.
I've come to view sneezing as one of those reminders that we're biological creatures, not machines. We can try to control and suppress our natural functions, but perhaps the real wisdom lies in finding appropriate times and places to let them happen naturally.
Final Thoughts
Mastering the art of sneeze suppression is really about having options. Sometimes you absolutely need to stop a sneeze—during a solemn moment of silence, while handling delicate equipment, or when you're trying not to wake a sleeping baby. Other times, it's better to excuse yourself and let it happen naturally.
The techniques I've shared here work to varying degrees for different people. Your nasal passages are as unique as your fingerprints, so what works brilliantly for your cousin might do absolutely nothing for you. Experiment with these methods when you're in low-stakes situations, so you'll know what works when you really need it.
Remember, though, that sneezing is a healthy, normal function. If you find yourself constantly suppressing sneezes, it might be time to look at why you're sneezing so much in the first place. Your body's trying to tell you something—sometimes it's worth listening.
Authoritative Sources:
Askenasy, J.J.M. "Sleep and Sleep Disorders." Handbook of Clinical Neurology, vol. 119, 2013, pp. 169-176.
Breitenbach, R.A., et al. "The Photic Sneeze Reflex as a Risk Factor to Combat Pilots." Military Medicine, vol. 158, no. 12, 1993, pp. 806-809.
Everett, H.C. "Sneezing in Response to Light." Neurology, vol. 14, no. 5, 1964, pp. 483-490.
Mygind, Niels, and Ronald Dahl. "Anatomy, Physiology and Function of the Nasal Cavities in Health and Disease." Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews, vol. 29, no. 1-2, 1998, pp. 3-12.
Songu, Murat, and Cemal Cingi. "Sneeze Reflex: Facts and Fiction." Therapeutic Advances in Respiratory Disease, vol. 3, no. 3, 2009, pp. 131-141.