Since childhood we have been taught to cover our mouths when we cough and apologize when we sneeze in public. These rules of social etiquette are important for preventing the spread of disease, but they have created an unwanted side effect: many people try to actively suppress these natural reflexes, believing them to be something bad or embarrassing. This practice, although well-intentioned from the point of view of coexistence, can have negative consequences for individual health.
What many do not know is that both cough as the sneezes They are sophisticated and vital responses of the immune system. These mechanisms have evolved over millions of years as part of our natural defense system, functioning as the first line of protection against external agents that could harm our body.
Repressing these reflexes not only goes against our biology, but can interfere with fundamental processes of cleaning and protecting the airways.
Cough: an essential cleaning
Cough is much more than just a nuisance. It is a defensive reflex that can expel air from the lungs at speeds of up to 160 kilometers per hour, carrying with it mucus, irritating particles, microorganisms and any foreign body that has entered the respiratory tract. This mechanism involves a complex coordination between the nervous system, respiratory muscles, and airways.
When we voluntarily suppress our cough, we force our body to retain precisely what it is trying to expel: bacteria, viruses, allergens or pollutants. This retention can prolong respiratory infections, worsen lung congestion and, in severe cases, increase the risk of developing complications such as bronchitis or pneumonia.
Pulmonology experts warn that suppressing productive coughs—those that are accompanied by phlegm—can be particularly counterproductive during infectious processes.
The sneeze: a protective explosion
Sneezing represents one of the most powerful reflex responses of the human body. When the mucous membranes of the nose detect irritants such as pollen, dust, viruses or sudden changes in temperature, this involuntary explosion is triggered, which can release up to 40,000 droplets at a speed of more than 150 kilometers per hour. This reflex not only expels potentially harmful agents, but also helps reset the nasal cleansing system.
Holding in a sneeze, especially by completely closing your mouth and nose, can cause a dangerous buildup of pressure in the respiratory system and ears. There have been documented medical cases of people who, by violently suppressing sneezes, have suffered ruptured eardrums, fractures of nasal cartilage, damage to the blood vessels in the eyes and even tears in the throat. Although these extreme cases are rare, they illustrate the potency of the force our body is trying to release.
A pain so intense that it doesn’t let us cough
When pain is so intense that it prevents us from even coughing, it may indicate a serious underlying condition or damage to the muscles or tissues related to coughing. The most common causes of this intense pain include muscle fatigue caused by a very strong or prolonged cough, respiratory infections such as bronchitis or pneumonia, inflammations such as pleurisy; or even more serious conditions such as lung cancer or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) that affect the airways and lungs.
The pain may be located in the chest, ribs, or back, and its intensity may limit even the action of coughing, which is worrying, since coughing is necessary to clear the airways.
Some of these conditions may also present other symptoms such as shortness of breath, fever, fatigue, and persistent cough. It is essential to seek urgent medical attention to identify and treat the cause of severe pain that prevents coughing, as some of these diseases can be potentially serious or become complicated if not treated in time.
Balance between health and courtesy
Public health specialists emphasize that the problem lies not in coughing or sneezing, but in how we do it. The solution is not to suppress these natural reflexes, but to manage them responsibly. The technique recommended by international health organizations is to cover yourself with the forearm or inner elbow, never with your hands, to prevent the transmission of pathogens to surfaces and other people.
This practice allows the reflex to complete naturally while minimizing the risk of contagion. Using disposable tissues that are discarded immediately is also an effective alternative. In contexts where these defense mechanisms are particularly active—such as during a cold or a seasonal allergy—doctors recommend not fighting them, but instead allowing the body to do its job of cleaning and protecting.
Listen to body signals
Modern medicine constantly reminds us of the importance of listening to our body. Persistent cough can indicate anything from simple irritation to conditions that require medical attention, such as asthma, gastroesophageal reflux, or undiagnosed allergies. Frequent sneezing may signal the presence of environmental allergens that should be identified and, if possible, eliminated.
Instead of seeing these reflexes as enemies to combat, health professionals suggest understanding them as valuable indicators and protectors. The key is not to suppress them unnecessarily, practice good respiratory hygiene and seek medical attention when these symptoms are persistent, severe or accompanied by other warning signs such as high fever, difficulty breathing or chest pain.
In the end, coughs and sneezes are reminders that our body has extraordinarily efficient defense systems. Respecting these natural mechanisms, while maintaining basic hygiene standards to protect those around us, is the best strategy to take care of both our individual and collective health.
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