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Doctors have issued a health warning following an unusual incident where a man tore his throat after attempting to stifle a sneeze.

The incident involved a Scottish man in his 30s, who, while driving, pinched his nose and closed his mouth to suppress a sneeze. The force generated from the sneeze resulted in a tear measuring 0.08 inches in his windpipe, causing him to seek urgent medical attention.

Medics diagnosed him with surgical emphysema, a condition where air becomes trapped in tissues beneath the skin. According to the Mirror, CT scans revealed a tear located between the third and fourth cervical vertebrae, with air accumulating in the mediastinum, the space in the chest between the lungs.

While the man did not require surgery, his case has become significant for medical research. Published in BMJ Case Reports, the case shed light on the dangers associated with attempting to stifle sneezes, particularly among individuals with conditions such as allergic rhinitis, commonly known as hay fever.

Dr. Rasads Nisirovs of the University of Dundee pointed out the risks, stating, "Everyone should be advised not to stifle sneezes by pinching the nose while keeping the mouth closed as it can result in tracheal perforation."

Hay fever, affecting approximately a quarter of British adults, induces symptoms like sneezing, nasal congestion, and itchy eyes. The increased air pressure during sneezing can exacerbate such conditions.

The patient, who experienced swelling and limited neck mobility, was hospitalized for two days for observation. He was treated with pain relief and hay fever medication, and the tear healed within five weeks under careful monitoring.

Dr. Nisirovs recommended conservative management for similar cases, emphasizing the importance of monitoring stable patients closely, particularly those not requiring mechanical ventilation.

With current pollen levels categorized as "very high" across much of England and Wales, experts advise hay fever sufferers to use nasal sprays appropriately for relief.