A violent sneeze can generate enough force to fracture a human rib.

A sneeze is a coordinated reflex involving the respiratory, laryngeal, and pharyngeal muscles. During a sneeze, the body forcefully expels air from the lungs at speeds reaching up to 100 miles per hour. This process begins with a deep inhalation that creates high pressure within the thoracic cavity.The sudden contraction of the intercostal muscles and the diaphragm creates a massive spike in internal pressure. Medical studies, including cases documented in the Journal of Medical Case Reports, have identified 'sneeze-induced rib fractures' as a legitimate medical phenomenon. These injuries typically occur when the mechanical stress exceeds the structural integrity of the bone.While healthy individuals are generally safe, those with osteopenia or osteoporosis are at a significantly higher risk. The risk also increases if the person is in a twisted or awkward position during the sneeze, as this concentrates the force on a specific section of the ribcage. Radiologists often look for these fractures in the middle ribs, specifically ribs five through nine, where the leverage of the muscles is strongest.Beyond bone fractures, the sheer force of a sneeze has been known to cause other injuries such as herniated discs or even ruptured eardrums. Doctors recommend sneezing with an open mouth to help dissipate the pressure and reduce the strain on the internal skeletal structure. This simple adjustment can prevent the localized pressure from reaching dangerous levels.