VATupdate Newsletter Week 33 2023

SNEEZING

Sneezing, an impressive human action, expels mucus and air from the nose and mouth at speeds of up to 100 miles (161 km) per hour. In some instances, stifling a forceful sneeze can lead to damage to the eardrums or sinuses.

More stories about awkward sneezing HERE

A recent study in the British MedicalJournal describes the experience of a healthy 34-year-old man in the UK who inadvertently injured his throat while attempting to suppress a sneeze. The suppressed sneeze resulted in the rupture of soft tissue in his throat, causing swelling and a change in his voice.

Personally, I’m like my father, who, if he sneezed, could be heard three blocks away, and with the roof of the house slightly lifting-up every time he let-out one of his explosive ‘BANGs’.

I do believe that there are only two kinds of people on Earth. People who dare to sneeze completely. If they need to sneeze, just – BAM –, everything out, like my dad. And there are people who, when they have to sneeze, use their head as a kind of container from the explosives disposal service. When do you learn to sneeze like that? Are there parents who see their child almost sneeze, and then walk over and put their hand over that mouth and close it?

Sneezing serves as the body’s natural defence mechanism to expel irritants from the respiratory system. It involves the buildup of pressure in the lungs, followed by a forceful release of air up the oesophagus and through the nose and mouth. However, when these pathways are obstructed,the accumulated pressure seeks alternative means of escape.

As sneezing can be dangerous, it’s thus important to know how to best deal with it. Firstly, you should avoid the key triggers, such as dust or pollen. If you have any allergies, see if you can get some treatment or medicines. Secondly, don’t look into the light. About one-third of people have a condition that causes them to sneeze when they look at bright lights. Even stepping outside on a sunny day can cause some people to sneeze. You can wear sunglasses. It makes you sneeze less, and you’ll look fabulous!

Thirdly, you shouldn’t eat too much. Apparently, it is scientifically proven that people sneeze more after eating large meals. Fourthly, say ‘EU VAT Directive’ or ‘Reverse Charge’, just before you sneeze. Some people believe that saying an odd word right as you feel you’re about to sneeze distracts you from sneezing. And also here, it makes you sneeze less, and you’ll look fabulous!

Lastly, what seems to help is blowing you nose. Just make sure that there’s no dust in there and that you can breathe freely.

If you’re sneezing too much, don’t worry. It’s rarely a symptom of anything serious, but it can be annoying. It’s almost the same as VAT…

See you next week!

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