What would happen if I pinch my nose while I sneeze?

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The discussion centers around the implications of pinching the nose while sneezing, particularly in the context of having an ear infection. The original poster notes improvement in their condition but expresses curiosity about the effects of this action on the Eustachian tube. Responses caution against pinching the nose while sneezing, especially with a nasal or ear infection, as it could force air and potentially harmful substances into the middle ear, exacerbating the infection. It is emphasized that while pinching the nose is generally acceptable, keeping the mouth closed during the act can lead to dangerous pressure buildup. The conversation also touches on the common practice of equalizing pressure during altitude changes, highlighting the risks involved.
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I'm curious what would happen if I pinch my nose while I sneeze
hey everyone,

I currently have an ear infection. I'm watching to see if it gets better and it seems like yesterday was the worst of it. Today it's better: I can completely clinch my jaw with minimal pain. I think I'll be ok by Tuesday, but I'm curious about something.

I'm curious what would happen if I pinch my nose while I sneeze, forcing the air through the Eustachian tube? From what I understand, the Eustachian is supposed to relieve air pressure in the ear and drain fluids to the nasal cavity. Normally when I pinch my nose when I sneeze, I get a lot of pressure in my ears because the Eustachian would carry the air that would have gone through my nose to the middle ear. Now that I have an air infection I don't want to risk more injury, but I'm curious as to what would theoretically happen.

Thanks!
 
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pctopgs said:
I'm curious what would happen if I pinch my nose while I sneeze
PInching your nose is OK, but do NOT keep your mouth closed. You would blow your head off !
 
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The pressure has to be released somewhere and it likely won't be an optimal or designed area.
 
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pctopgs said:
Now that I have an air infection I don't want to risk more injury
Wise...

pctopgs said:
I'm curious as to what would theoretically happen.
To do that is advised against in case of any nasal infection (and in general, in any case) since it may send not just air but 'stuff' towards your middle ear, so easy to make an ear infection from a nasal one.
It's result is a slightly higher pressure in the ear cavity, usually relieved shortly after the 'event' by natural means.
Also quite inconvenient, by the way. Sometimes painful too.

Though forcing air through the Eustachian tube (well, not by sneezing) and make the sync of internal and external pressure easyer during rapid descent/ascent is a common practice (with similar dangers, of course).
 
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There is an old joke about how to tell if someone is wearing panty hose: their ankles puff when they sneeze....

ok maybe it wasn't sneeze...
 
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