Experiences a momentary halt during a sneeze?
In the world of everyday bodily functions, sneezing is a common occurrence that most of us experience regularly. But what happens to our heart when we sneeze? Let's delve into the facts and debunk some common myths.
Sneezing is one of the body's ways of removing foreign objects and substances from the respiratory tract. It can be triggered by inhaling something that irritates the respiratory tract, such as dust, spices, or pollen. Allergies, viruses, and even the common cold and flu can cause sneezing. However, contrary to some beliefs, a person's heart does not stop when they sneeze [1].
Sneezing can cause a large change of pressure in the chest and a change in blood flow to the heart. This pressure change can momentarily affect the heart rate and rhythm, but these effects are short-lived and harmless in most cases [1]. This transient effect may be related to the Valsalva maneuver mechanism during sneezing, which alters intrathoracic pressure and briefly affects heart rate and rhythm.
The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences reports that the myth that a person's heart stops when they sneeze is false. While the pressure changes can alter the heart rate slightly, they do not pose a risk of heart rhythm disorders in healthy individuals [1].
The vagus nerve, which travels from the brain to the abdomen, can react during a sneeze and reduce the heart rate. This temporary decrease in heart rate is not harmful and returns to normal shortly after the sneeze.
To avoid sneezing, it's advisable to avoid irritants that cause sneezing, treat allergies, blow the nose, use nasal sprays, and pinch the nose. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends covering the nose and mouth with a tissue during a sneeze, throwing the tissue in the trash, and washing hands immediately after. If no tissue is available, sneezing into the crook of the elbow is advised over the hands.
Handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using a hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol is recommended after blowing the nose, coughing, or sneezing.
In conclusion, sneezing's effect on heart rate and rhythm is temporary and benign in healthy individuals. It's essential to remember that other causes of abnormal heart rhythm or rate, such as infections like RSV, can worsen existing heart conditions but are unrelated to the act of sneezing itself [3]. So, the next time you sneeze, rest assured that your heart is safe and sound.
- Allergies, viruses, and even the common cold or flu can not only cause sneezing but also trigger chest pain, as some people may experience heartburn or discomfort due to the increase in pressure in the chest during a sneeze.
- Mental health is an essential aspect of overall health-and-wellness, and therapies-and-treatments, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and medication, can help manage conditions like anxiety or depression that may be exacerbated by physical symptoms such as chest pain.
- A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains can contribute to maintaining good nutrition and boosting the immune system, potentially reducing the frequency of sneezing due to allergies or infections like the flu.
- While handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using a hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol is crucial to prevent the spread of viruses that may cause the flu, it's also essential to stay informed about other health-and-wellness topics, such as the effects of sneezing on heart rate and rhythm, to ensure a comprehensive understanding of one's body's functions and potential reactions.
