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Ah-ah-ah-choo! Spring is in the air … and if you’re an allergy sufferer, then the fresh pollen probably has you sneezing and itching. Have you ever wondered why this season has you continuously reaching for the tissue box? We answer the question “Why do we sneeze?” with help from The Washington Post.
Oxygen isn’t the only thing you’re breathing in through your nose each day. You’re also getting whiffs of microscopic dust, mold, and germs. To protect the body from these tiny particles, your nose is lined with small hairs, mucus-producing glands and hair-like microscopic structures called cilia. When a foreign particle irritates the inner part of your nose, a signal is sent to your brain, and your brain tells your body to pull back your head, take a deep breath, contract the muscles in your chest, throat and abdomen and … and … ah … CHOO! Air and water droplets come blowing out of your nose at about 100 miles per hour!
According to The Washington Post, “that is faster than a cheetah chasing down a gazelle on the African savanna.” Gesundheit! And don’t forget to use your tissue!
Looking for more Never Stop Asking "Why?" questions? Catch up on all of the past "Whys" on Pinterest or the blog!
