We sneeze when sick because sneezing is a natural reflex that helps expel irritants, mucus, and pathogens from the nasal passages. When viruses or allergens irritate the mucous membranes inside the nose, nerve endings send signals to the brain to trigger a sneeze, which forcefully expels air, mucus, and particles to clear the nasal cavity. This helps the body get rid of infectious agents and fluids caused by the illness. Sneezing also "resets" the nasal environment by clearing the lining inside the nose to help maintain respiratory health.
How Sneezing Happens When Sick
- Irritants, such as viruses from a cold or flu, inflame the nasal mucous membranes.
- Nerve endings in the nose get stimulated and send a sneeze signal to the brain.
- The body forcibly expels air, saliva, and mucus through the nose and mouth to clear irritants.
- Fluid leakage from sinus drainage or a runny nose can also trigger sneezing as the body tries to expel excess fluids.
Purpose of Sneezing in Illness
- Sneezing helps to physically remove viruses, bacteria, allergens, and fluids from the nasal passages.
- It aids the immune response by clearing away infectious particles.
- This reflex is a protective mechanism to prevent harmful agents from reaching the lungs or spreading further inside the respiratory tract.
In summary, sneezing when sick is the body's way to fight infection and maintain nasal health by expelling irritants and infectious agents through a powerful expulsive reflex.
