• Question: Why is sneezing more enjoyable than coughing? It seems strange being as it stops your heart for a split second!

    Asked by jackyboy1999 to Clare, Mariana, Robert, Susanne on 21 Nov 2012.
    • Photo: Robert Insall

      Robert Insall answered on 21 Nov 2012:

      Now there’s a tricky question. Don’t have an answer to that one. I do IMMENSE sneezes and all the people in the offices around mine know all about it…

    • Photo: Clare Taylor

      Clare Taylor answered on 21 Nov 2012:

      Hi Jackboy

      I think it’s actually a myth that your heart stops when you sneeze! The build up of pressure in your chest as you hold you breath as the sneeze gets ready may affect your blood flow for a split second but I don’t think it stops your heart!

      Personally, I don’t find either particularly enjoyable! One brings snot and the other can bring yucky phlegm! Yuck to both!

    • Photo: Susanne Muekusch

      Susanne Muekusch answered on 21 Nov 2012:

      Haha, I like that question!
      I think the good thing about sneezing is that it lasts only for a second, as you said. Coughing can hurt and it’s just irritating. Otherwise I don’t really know.
      Some fun facts about sneezing: What I do know is that enormous forces are present while sneezing- I have heard of people getting a slipped disk from sneezing! And you sneeze with a speed of about 100 mph. Some people have to sneeze when looking into the sun, others don’t. It’s called the photic sneeze reflex and whether you have it or not is heritable. Check with your parents and siblings and look into the sun together.-

    • Photo: Mariana Campos

      Mariana Campos answered on 21 Nov 2012:

      My sneezes are also famous! Apparently I don’t know how to sneeze. I had people telling me that my brain could explode if I keep on sneezing like I do. Don’t think is true though. I agree with Susanne. Coughing is repetitive and gets your throat and lungs quite sore. Sneezing on the other hand is sporadic, usually, and makes the irritation in your nose go away. But if you have a fit of sneezes is not so enjoyable anymore. trust me!

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