Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 2: Mute the sound
• Method 2 of 2: Stop the sneezing
• Tips
• Warnings

Some people sneeze harder than others because of their lung capacity, allergies and natural predisposition. Whatever the reason, a hard sneeze can be embarrassing and distracting in an otherwise quiet environment. You can try to dampen the sneezing or stop the reflex altogether. Be prepared!

To step

Method 1 of 2: Mute the sound

1. Sneeze into something. Always keep a paper or cloth handkerchief handy. A paper handkerchief is portable and disposable, but a cloth handkerchief works better at dampening the sound. If you don't have a choice, put your nose in your shoulder, your arm, or your elbow. Any fabric or firm body part will help keep your sneezing quiet.
2. Squeeze your teeth and jaw to suppress the noise. Leave your mouth open slightly so you don't build up too much pressure in your sinuses. If done correctly, this movement will reduce the intensity of your sneeze.
   • If you hold your breath at the same time, you may even be able to stop sneezing.
3. Cough when you sneeze. Just make sure you get the timing right. By combining the sneeze reflex with the cough reflex, you may be able to reduce the noise and its severity.

Method 2 of 2: Stop the sneezing

1. Hold your breath. When you feel a sneeze coming on, inhale forcefully through both nostrils and hold your breath until the urge has passed. You might be able to counteract the sneeze reflex with this.
   • Don't close your nose. Holding your breath can be effective to some extent, but closing your nose while sneezing can have serious health consequences. In addition to other disorders of the ear and nasal passages, this can cause laryngeal fracture, ruptured eardrums, voice changes, bulging eyeballs and bladder incontinence.
   • Keep in mind that holding in a sneeze can be effective, but it can also make you feel a little constipated.
2. Use your tongue. Press the tip of your tongue firmly against your roof, just behind your upper front teeth. This should hit where the tooth socket or "gum palate" reaches to the roof of the mouth. Press as hard as you can until the urge to sneeze goes away. If done correctly, it can nip the sneeze in the bud.
   • This approach is most effective if done at the same time as you feel a sneeze coming on. The longer the sneeze builds up, the more difficult it is to stop.
3. Push your nose up. When a sneeze comes on, place your index finger under your nose and push up slightly. If you time it right, you might be able to suppress the sneeze. At the very least, this movement will reduce the intensity of the sneeze.

Tips

• Don't sneeze. Push up from the bottom of your nose. There are some situations, such as changing lanes while driving, when sneezing can even be dangerous because you involuntarily close your eyes.
• If possible, sneeze in a cloth or paper handkerchief. Of course you don't want to spread germs and make others sick! This is a matter of courtesy.
• After that, go to the bathroom to make sure there is no snot on your face.
• Do not take a deep breath before sneezing. By taking a deep breath you say the "ha" in "hatshu!"
• If you feel a sneeze coming on, apologize and walk out of the room.

Warnings

• Sneezing is your body's way of cleaning your nose and sinuses. Don't always hold in the sneezing fits!
• Don't close your nose! This can quickly build up internal pressure in your ears and airways. Closing your nose can cause laryngeal fracture, ruptured eardrums, voice changes, bulging eyeballs, and sudden bladder incontinence.