My Life

This is something most of us never think about, but this is actually something that is very fascinating.

Lets begin with how we sneeze and why.

Sneezing occurs when a particle enters the nose, passes through the nasal hairs and reaches the nasal mucosa.

A sneeze is a result of a sudden relaxation of the diaphragm together with the intercostal muscles that expand our lungs and abdominal muscle contraction. This results on a mass compression effect of the lungs on a short onset and causes a violent expulsion of air in the form of the sneeze. ~ Why do we sneeze at such a speed?

Sneezing is a complex reflex. It starts with irritation of the lining of the nose, and ends in an explosion of air from the nose and mouth. Nerve impulses travel from the nose to the brain, then back to other nerves that control the muscle of the abdomen, chest, diaphragm, neck, face and eyelids as well as the mucus glands and blood vessels of the nose. That’s why we always end up closing our eyes when we sneeze, and why the nose often runs afterwards. ~ Sneezing: Facts and Fiction

The main purpose for sneezing is to get rid of the particle that has entered the nose.

The speed we sneeze at has been cited all over the Internet with varying speeds, from 150 km/ph to around 300 m/ph. The Guinness Book of Records has the record set at 115 m/ph.

Up to 40,000 droplets (particles) can be ejected from your nose and can travel a distance of 2 to 3 metres.

Sneezing can be classified as:

Paroxysmal sneezing -This type of sneezing is mostly acute in nature and often caused by bacterial or viral or fungal infection. This occurs during the start of the disease.
Continuous or allergic sneezing – Mostly these types are chronic in nature and caused by allergic tendencies of the body. It occurs due to constant exposure to dust, pets, etc.
Seasonal sneezing – Mostly in seasons, when pollens are more in wind. Seasonal allergic rhinitis usually results due to pollens of tree, grass or weed.
Perennial sneezing – Persists throughout the year, due to persistent pollution or allergen. ~ Sneezing

The longest sneezing fit in the world was achieved by Donna Griffiths of the UK whom at the age of 12 had sneezed from January 13 1981 to September 16 1983 a total of 978 days.

It is estimated she sneezed more than 1 million times in the first year. Her sneezes came at 1 minute intervals in the beginning and slowed down to 5 minute intervals near the end. ~ The Longest Sneezing Fit

References:
Sneezing
Why do we sneeze at such a speed?
Sneezing: Facts and Fiction
Sneeze
The Longest Sneezing Fit

Thanks,

Marat