Docs: don’t pinch nose mid-sneeze

FEARS Throat rupture risk PINCHING your nose while you sneeze can rupture the back of your throat, doctors warn.

Medics are urging people to avoid the move after a man, aged 34, tried to contain a forceful sneeze, and was left barely able to speak or swallow.

The patient was hospitalised for a week, tube-fed and given antibiotics by IV.

A scan revealed air bubbles in the deep tissue and muscles of his chest.

His case was outlined in the British Medical Journal. Doctors wrote: “The patient was discharged with advice to avoid obstructing both nostrils while sneezing.”

“Halting sneezing via blocking the nostrils and mouth is a dangerous manoeuvre, and should be avoided,” the medics said.