What happens when I hold in a sneeze?

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – Whether you’re in a crowd, speaking to someone or just plain embarrassed by the loudness of your “achoo” it may be tempting to temper your sneeze. But science says there are serious consequences and potential long-term effects of holding it in.

Sneezing is a powerful activity. Droplets can propel up to 100 miles per hour. The action results in major pressure within your respiratory system (nasal cavity, throat, lungs). Holding it in significantly increases pressure inside the respiratory system anywhere between 5 to 24 times that caused by the sneeze itself. Click on the video above to find out how stifling sneezes also negatively affects your ears, eyes, bones and brain.