Sneeze facts for kids
A sneeze is a sudden, strong burst of air and liquid from your nose and mouth. It happens when something irritates the inside of your nose, like dust or tiny particles. When you sneeze, your body quickly pushes out air and a liquid called mucus (which is naturally found in your nose).
When people sneeze, their eyes close automatically. This is a natural body reaction, called a reflex. It helps protect your eyes from the strong pressure of air that is released during a sneeze. This air comes from your sinus cavity, which is the area behind your nose and forehead.
Contents
Why Do People Say "Bless You!"?
It's common for people to say "Bless you!" or "Gesundheit!" (which means "Good health" in German) when someone sneezes. This tradition has a long history. One story says it started with Pope Gregory VII (who lived from 540 to 604 AD). He suggested saying a blessing might protect people from a serious illness, like the bubonic plague, which was affecting people in Rome at that time.
How Fast Is a Sneeze?
Sneezes are very fast! The air from a sneeze can travel at about 150 kilometers per hour (or even faster). That's why it's important to cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze, to stop germs from spreading.
Does Your Heart Stop When You Sneeze?
There's a common myth that your heart and other internal organs stop working when you sneeze. This is not true! While your body does react strongly, your heart and other organs keep functioning normally.
Images for kids
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A 7-to-8-metre-long (23 to 26 ft) cloud of tiny droplets from a human sneeze.
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It's good to cover sneezes with a handkerchief or your arm to stop germs.
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Fred Ott's Sneeze, a very old motion picture from 1894.
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Even animals like a zebra can sneeze!
See also
In Spanish: Estornudo para niños
