When we have the flu or when some smell bothers us, sneezing is common, isn't it? Although it happens to everyone, few people know the exact function of this body reaction. Are we going to learn more about the subject?
→ What is the sneeze?
Sneezing is an involuntary reaction characterized by the rapid and uncontrollable expulsion of air through the nose and mouth. It is triggered by irritation or blockage of our airways, which causes entry of air in our lungs and following elimination, which is usually accompanied by a sound. characteristic.
It is estimated that the air leaves our lungs at a speed of approximately 160km/h.At this speed, it's clear why we can't resist the impulse, isn't it? It is worth noting, however, that some people try to prevent the sneeze and, due to the air pressure being eliminated, end up with vertigo and even rupture the eardrum. So when you feel like you're going to sneeze, don't try to avoid this reaction.
→ What is the function of the sneeze?
Like all reflexes in the body, sneezing plays an important role in health. It eliminates from our airways organisms that are causing some harm, such as the virus of the
the flu and the cold or even organisms that are triggering allergy, like dust and pollen. As such, sneezing helps protect our bodies.
→ Why do we sneeze when we look at the sun?
Some people sneeze when the sun or intense light hits their eyes directly. This sneeze does not occur as a way to eliminate a foreign substance, but rather because there was confusion in our nervous system. According to some researchers, when light enters our eyes, it stimulates our optic nerve, which carries signals to the brain. As the optic nerve and the trigeminal nerve, responsible for triggering the sneeze, are very close, wrong stimulation can occur, causing the sneeze.
It is noteworthy that some researchers still suggest other explanations for this fact, which is, therefore, an issue not very well defined by science.
