Why do we sneeze?
We sneeze to blow tiny bits of dust out of our nose.
Pip’s answer
- We sneeze to blow tiny bits of dust out of our nose.
- When dust tickles inside your nose, your body says, "Uh oh, out you go!"
- You take a big breath, then whoosh, air rushes out super fast!
- Wow-ee, a sneeze can zoom out faster than you can ride your bike!
Try it together
Can you do a big pretend sneeze? Ah, ah, ah…
For grown-ups
A sneeze is a reflex that clears irritants like dust, pollen or germs from the nose. Nerves in the nose sense the irritation and signal the brain, which triggers a deep breath and a powerful burst of air out through the nose and mouth. Covering sneezes with an elbow helps stop germs spreading.
Ask your child: Can you show me how to sneeze into your elbow?
More questions kids ask
- 🧼Why do I have to wash my hands?
- 🤧Why does my nose run when it's cold?
- 🥱Why do we yawn?
- ❤️Why does my heart beat?
- 😴Why do we need to sleep?
- 🪥Why do I have to brush my teeth?
Got your own why?
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