Sneezing is an involuntary reaction of our body to the presence of particles or microbes that cause irritation, such as dust, pollen, mites, viruses, bacteria and smoke. Acting as an efficient defense mechanism for our body, it consists of the sudden and rapid expulsion of air and droplets through the nose and mouth; often unclogging the nose.
The mechanisms of sneezing involve the identification of the irritating agent in the nose by the trigeminal nerve, in response to contraction of the thorax and abdomen, and air filling by the lungs. Such conformation causes the air to come out with great force, resulting in sneezing.
It can also be caused by some optical stimulus and is called a photic reflex sneeze. In this case, the incidence of a sudden beam of light causes the optic nerve to send signals to the brain to cause the retina to constrict. As this nerve is very close to the trigeminal, the latter ends up receiving part of the electrical signals sent to the brain, causing this organ to misidentify a nasal irritation and... ATCHIM!!!
Important:
If you feel embarrassed about sneezing, a tight squeeze to your nose can prevent it from happening. But, if by any chance such a strategy is not efficient, don't avoid it! As the speed of a sneeze can reach an astonishing 160 km/h, the pressure caused when this jet is stuck can cause problems, such as the rupture of the eardrums.
Curiosity:
The famous “health”, said when someone sneezes, comes from the old belief that this was synonymous with bad omen, related to serious illnesses.
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By Mariana Araguaia
Graduated in Biology
Brazil School Team
Illnesses - Brazil School
Would you like to reference this text in a school or academic work? Look:
ARAGUAIA, Mariana. "Sneeze"; Brazil School. Available in: https://brasilescola.uol.com.br/doencas/espirro.htm. Accessed on June 28, 2021.
