Sneezing releases a sudden burst of air and pressure through your nose and mouth. When you pinch your nose and keep your mouth closed, that pressure can be redirected into connected spaces such as the Eustachian tubes and middle ear. Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials notes that holding in a sneeze can damage your eardrums and cause sinus issues, because the pressure has nowhere safe to go.
ENT-focused sources (including ENT & Allergy Associates) describe the same mechanism and emphasize that serious injuries are uncommon but possible. Healthline similarly reports that experts consider eardrum damage and other pressure-related injuries rare but plausible outcomes of suppressing a sneeze, consistent with documented case reports and established ear anatomy.
This analysis is for informational purposes only and does not constitute health or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health-related decisions.