Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Physiology & Medicine => Topic started by: Jerryade on 10/06/2008 09:14:19

Title: What is the purpose of sneezing?
Post by: Jerryade on 10/06/2008 09:14:19

jeremiah asked the Naked Scientists:

What is the importance of sneezing to man. Is it a sign of infection of diseases?

What do you think?

Title: What is the purpose of sneezing?
Post by: Karen W. on 10/06/2008 09:44:28

I would think and I am no expert it is to rid the body of foreign material germs bacteria, bugs etc. Your bodies self defense against infection and intruders. I would imagine the mucus helps carry the germs out also through sneezes coughing etc! I would think your body produces the mucous as a aid in collecting the invaders and helping give them lubrication to sneeze or cough them out after they have waged attack on the unfriendly little germs!

All those nasal hairs in there protecting you.. I suspect the hairs are a filter and that the tissue in your nose are very sensitive so I suspect those small particles etc can stimulate that sensitive tissue and bring on a sneeze in an attempt to rid the body of the intruder! My humble uneducated thoughts! LOL!

Also here:
http://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/index.php?topic=218.0

Title: What is the purpose of sneezing?
Post by: lyner on 11/06/2008 17:00:37

Patient : "Doctor, every time I sneeze I have an orgasm."
Doctor: " That's interesting. Have you been taking anything for it?"
Patient: " Yes, I find Snuff works quite well."

Title: What is the purpose of sneezing?
Post by: lyner on 11/06/2008 17:03:21

To be serious for a minute. It is very much in the interest of the virus that you should sneeze a lot, in order to spread the infection. Hence, I would imagine the virus has evolved to cause enough irritation to make you do it.