Australian flu has hit the headlines this winter with an ever greater number of Brits coughing and spluttering their way through the beginning of 2018.
While many would say stifling a sneeze at this time of year is best practice for maintaining friendships, the example of a 34-year-old man revealed in the BMJ’s journal Case Reports may give cause for concern.
Medics say the incident came to light when the man “arrived in A&E with a change to his voice, a swollen neck, pain when swallowing and a popping sensation in his neck after he pinched his nose to contain a sneeze,” reports The Guardian.
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“With nowhere to escape, the pressure ripped through the soft tissue, and although rare and unusual, they say others should be aware of the danger,” adds the BBC.
An X-ray revealed air escaping from his windpipe into the soft tissue of his neck through the rupture. The man had to be fed by a tube for the next seven days to allow time for the tissues to heal but eventually made a full recovery.
“For reasons of propriety and etiquette, one sometimes stops a sneeze. However on unfortunate rare occasions it might lead to potentially serious complications,” said Dr Sudip Das, co-author of the report from the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust.
The authors warn that blocking the nostrils and mouth when sneezing is dangerous, noting that while tearing of the throat tissue is rare, it could result in a ruptured eardrum or even a brain aneurysm.
“Spontaneous perforation of the throat with leakage of air under the skin is very rare,” said Das, although he noted that there had been cases before.
What’s the best practice for sneezing?
Since cold and flu viruses are spread through droplets in the air, being careful when coughing and sneezing is imperative to avoid passing on whatever illnesses you have.
While pinching your nose is a no-no, sneezing into tissues is preferable. Failing that the crook of your elbow is much better than your hands, says Metro.
“It may look like you’re doing a dab but it’s the best way to keep flu and colds from spreading.”
