Sneeze
Sneeze | |
---|---|
Method | Expulsion of air through nose/mouth |
Outcome | Removal of irritant |
A sneeze (also known as sternutation) is a semi-autonomous,
The function of sneezing is to expel mucus containing foreign particles or irritants and cleanse the nasal cavity. During a sneeze, the
Sneezing cannot occur during sleep due to
Description
Sneezing typically occurs when foreign particles or sufficient external stimulants pass through the nasal hairs to reach the nasal
The neural regions involved in the sneeze reflex are located in the
The sneeze reflex involves contraction of a number of different muscles and muscle groups throughout the body, typically including the eyelids. The common suggestion that it is impossible to sneeze with one's eyes open is, however, inaccurate.
Epidemiology
While generally harmless in healthy individuals, sneezes spread disease through the
Until recently, the maximum visible distance over which the sneeze plumes (or puffs) travel was observed at 0.6 metres (2.0 ft), and the maximum sneeze velocity derived was 4.5 m/s (about 10 mph).[10] In 2020, sneezes were recorded generating plumes of up to 8 meters (26 ft).[11]
Prevention
Proven methods to reduce sneezing generally advocate reducing interaction with irritants, such as keeping pets out of the house to avoid animal dander; ensuring the timely and continuous removal of dirt and dust particles through proper housekeeping; replacing filters for furnaces and air-handling units; air filtration devices and humidifiers; and staying away from industrial and agricultural zones. Tickling the roof of the mouth with the tongue can stop a sneeze.[12] Some people, however, find sneezes to be pleasurable and would not want to prevent them.[13]
Holding in sneezes, such as by pinching the nose or holding one's breath, is not recommended as the air pressure places undue stress on the lungs and airways.[14] One computer simulation suggests holding in a sneeze results in a burst of air pressure of 39 kPa, approximately 24 times that of a normal sneeze.[15]
In 1884, biologist Henry Walter Bates elucidated the impact of light on the sneezing reflex (Bates H.W. 1881-4. Biologia Centrali-Americana Insecta. Coleoptera. Volume I, Part 1.). He observed that individuals were only capable of sneezing when they felt in control of their entire environment. Consequently, he inferred that people were unable to sneeze in the dark. However, this hypothesis was later debunked.
History
In
In Europe, principally around the early Middle Ages, it was believed that one's life was in fact tied to one's
In certain parts of
Parallel beliefs are known to exist around the world, particularly in contemporary Greek, Slavic, Celtic, English, French, and Indian cultures. Similarly, in Nepal, sneezers are believed to be remembered by someone at that particular moment.[citation needed]
In English, the onomatopoeia for sneezes is usually spelled 'achoo' and it is similar to that of different cultures.[22]
Culture
In Indian culture, especially in northern parts of India, Bengali (Bangladesh and Bengal of India) culture and also in Iran, it has been a common superstition that a sneeze taking place before the start of any work was a sign of impending bad interruption. It was thus customary to pause in order to drink water or break any work rhythm before resuming the job at hand in order to prevent any misfortune from occurring.
In
The practice among
When one of you sneezes, let him say, "Al-hamdu-Lillah" (Praise be to God), and let his brother or companion say to him, "Yarhamuk Allah" (May God have mercy on you). If he says, "Yarhamuk-Allah", then let [the sneezer] say, "Yahdeekum Allah wa yuslihu baalakum" (May God guide you and rectify your condition).
Verbal responses
In English-speaking countries, one common verbal response to another person's sneeze is "[May God] bless you". Even with "God", the declaration may be said by a person without religious intent. Another, less common, verbal response in the United States and Canada to another's sneeze is "Gesundheit", which is a German word that means, appropriately, 'health'.
Several hypotheses exist for why the custom arose of saying "bless you" or "God bless you" in the context of sneezing:
- Some say it came into use during the plague pandemics of the 14th century. Blessing the individual after showing such a symptom was thought to prevent possible impending death due to the lethal disease.[24]
- In Renaissance times, a superstition was formed claiming one's heart stopped for a very brief moment during the sneeze; saying bless you was a sign of prayer that the heart would not fail.[25]
Sexuality
Some people may
A sneeze has been compared to an orgasm, since both orgasms and sneeze reflexes involve tingling, bodily stretching, tension and release.[28] On this subject, sexologist Vanessa Thompson from the University of Sydney states, "Sneezing and orgasms both produce feel-good chemicals called endorphins but the amount produced by a sneeze is far less than an orgasm."[29]
According to Dr. Holly Boyer from the University of Minnesota, there is a pleasurable effect during a sneeze, where she states, "the muscle tension that builds up in your chest causes pressure, and when you sneeze and the muscles relax, it releases pressure. Anytime you release pressure, it feels good...There's also some evidence that endorphins are released, which causes your body to feel good". Endorphins induce the brain's reward system, and because sneezes occur in a quick burst, so does the pleasure.[30]
In non-humans
Sneezing is not confined to humans or even mammals. Many animals including cats,[31] dogs,[32] chickens[33] and iguanas[34] sneeze. African wild dogs use sneezing as a form of communication, especially when considering a consensus in a pack on whether or not to hunt.[35] Some breeds of dog are predisposed to reverse sneezing.
See also
References
- ^ "Sneeze". The Free Dictionary. Retrieved April 6, 2012.
- ^ "Sleep On, Sneeze Not". A Moment of Science. Indiana University. Archived from the original on 23 February 2019. Retrieved 2019-02-21.
- S2CID 26718567.
- ^ "Myth: Can sneezing with your eyes open make your eyeballs pop out?". Myth Busters.
- ^ Goldman JG (June 24, 2015). "Why looking at the sun makes us sneeze". BBC Future. BBC. Retrieved October 14, 2016.
- S2CID 10884414.
- PMID 2769729.
- PMID 9721404.
- ^ Archived at Ghostarchive and the Wayback Machine: Central Maine Medical Center. "Why Don't We Do It In Our Sleeves". CoughSafe. CMMC, St. Mary's Hospital, Maine Medical Association. Retrieved 17 October 2016.
- PMID 23560060.
- PMID 32631450.
- ^ Laurie L. Dove (2015). "Why does tickling the roof of your mouth with your tongue stifle a sneeze?". HowStuffWorks.com.
- ISBN 978-0-323-01425-0.[page needed]
- S2CID 58587363.
- PMID 26914240.
- ^ Xenophon. Anabasis. Book 3, chapter 2, paragraph 9.
- ^ "Why Do We Say "Waheguru!" Every Time We Sneeze?". Sikhing Answers – V.
- ^ "Why do we say this when a person sneezes or hiccups?". India Study Channel. 24 January 2015.
- ISBN 978-90-209-3510-3.
- S2CID 71281077.
- 詩經·終風[The Book of Songs - Final Wind] (in Chinese).
If you speak insomnia, you will sneeze.
- ^ "Where Did The Word "Achoo" Come From?". Dictionary.com. 2020-08-18. Retrieved 2021-10-11.
- ^ Bukhari SA. "When somebody sneezes, what should be said?". Sunnah.com.
- ^ "Does your heart stop when you sneeze?". Everyday Mysteries: Fun Science Facts. The Library of Congress.
- ^ "'Bless you': Social convention or theological statement? | UU World Magazine". www.uuworld.org. 2011-07-11. Retrieved 2023-08-25.
- PMID 19092028.
- S2CID 196423179.
- LiveScience.
- ^ Terlato P (1 June 2015). "We asked a sexologist if the theory about sneezing and orgasms was true – here's what she said". Business Insider. Archived from the original on 23 March 2019. Retrieved 23 March 2019.
- ^ DeRusha J (17 April 2012). "Good Question: Why Does Sneezing Feel So Good?". CBS Minnesota.
- ^ "Why Cats Sneeze". WebMD.
- ^ "My Pet Is Sneezing and Snorting. What's Going On?". Vet Street. 19 September 2011.
- ^ "Why is my Chicken Sneezing?". Keeping Chickens. Archived from the original on 2015-05-17. Retrieved 2015-04-18.
- ^ Kaplan M (1 January 2014). "Sneezing and Yawning". Herp Care Collection.
- PMID 28878054.
Further reading
- Adams C (1987). "If you hold your eyelids open while sneezing, will your eyes pop out?". The Straight Dope.
- Mikkelson B (2001). "Bless You!". Urban Legends Reference Pages.
- Wilson T (1997). "Why do we sneeze when we look at the sun?". MadSci Network.
- Sheckley, Robert (1956). ""Protection," a short story about sneezing".
- Knowlson, T. Sharper (1910). "The Origins of Popular Superstitions and Customs". a book that listed many superstitions and customs that are still common today.
- "Cold and flu advice". NHS Direct. Archived from the original on 2010-01-05. Retrieved 2009-05-06.
- Fantham E. "Ancient Sneezing: A Gift from the Gods". Princeton. NPR Radio.
- Sherborn MG (15 June 2004). "Why do my eyes close every time I sneeze?". The Boston Globe.