Doctors have warned against clamping the nose and mouth shut to stifle a sneeze, saying it can cause serious physical damage.

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The doctors warned of dangers of this method of sneezing in science journal BMJ Case Reports.

A 34-year-old man in Leicester reportedly ruptured his throat while trying to stop a high-force sneeze. The pressure of the sneeze was said to have ripped through the soft tissue.

He was rushed to the hospital after he felt a “popping” sensation in his neck when it happened. He also experienced pain and difficulty swallowing and speaking.

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When the doctors checked him, they found he had swelling and tenderness around his throat and neck.

An X-ray further revealed air escaping from his windpipe into the soft tissue of his neck through the rupture. He had to be fed by a tube for the next seven days to allow time for the tissues to heal.

The man was sent home after spending a week in the hospital.

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Doctors said although rare and unusual, trapping a sneeze could also damage the ears or even rupture a brain aneurysm and others should be aware of the danger.

“Halting a sneeze via blocking nostrils and mouth is a dangerous manoeuvre and should be avoided,” said doctors from the ear, nose, throat department at Leicester Royal Infirmary, where the man was treated.



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