Why Computers Appear to "Sneeze" and How to Prevent It

The Physiology of Sneezing

Sneezing is an involuntary expulsion of air through the nose and mouth. It is the body's way of clearing irritants from the nasal cavity. Sneezing occurs due to an irritation of the trigeminal nerve in the mucous membrane of the nose. This nerve stimulates the sneeze center in the medulla oblongata of the brainstem which then signals the chest, diaphragm and eyelids to produce a sneeze.

The Sneeze Reflex Arc

The sneeze reflex arc involves these key steps:

1. Nerve endings in the mucous membrane of the nose detect foreign particles or irritation.

2. Signals are sent to the sneeze center in the medulla oblongata.

3. The medulla oblongata coordinates a response involving several muscle groups.

4. The chest muscles contract, diaphragm descends and eyes close as air is inhaled.

5. The diaphragm suddenly ascends, forcing air with high pressure out through the nose and mouth.

6. This expels mucus and irritants from the nasal cavity.

What Triggers Sneezes

Common triggers that stimulate the sneeze reflex include:

• Irritants like dust, pollen or pepper
• Foreign particles or objects
• Respiratory infections
• Cold air
• Strong odors
• Allergies
• Nasal mucus
• Sudden exposure to bright light

Fun Facts About Sneezing

Let's explore some fascinating trivia about sneezing and the act of sternutation:

Speed of Mucus Droplets

Mucus droplets and saliva can reach speeds up to 100 mph during a sneeze!

Sneeze with Open Eyes

It's impossible to sneeze with your eyes open. The eyelids automatically close during a sneeze to protect the eyes.

Sneeze Jerk Phenomenon

Some people experience a "sneeze jerk" where legs suddenly twitch during a sneeze. This involuntarily spasm occurs as nerves misfire.

Expelling Germs

A single sneeze can propel up to 100,000 contagious germs into the air at speeds up to 100 mph.

Stifling Sneezes

Stifling a sneeze can lead to numerous complications including ruptured ear drums, sinus headaches, and even ruptured brain aneurysms in rare cases.

The Power of Multiple Sneezes

Sneezing 8 times in a row is equivalent to the strain of child birth. Sneezing 200 times in one hour can break a rib.

Sneezing as Birth Control

In the 16th and 17th centuries, women believed that sneezing would prevent conception or dislodge the fertilized egg.

Sneezing Myths

Myths associate sneezes with fortune telling. For example, in Italy it's good luck if you sneeze while getting dressed in the morning. In Japan it's a sign a gossip is talking about you.

Sneezing in Different Languages

The onomatopoeia for a sneeze varies by language. In English it's "achoo", in French it's "atchoum", and in Filipino it's "hachoo".

Why Do Computers Sneeze?

Computers of course don't actually sneeze since they lack noses, brains and the reflex neural pathways that trigger sneezing. However, the action of a computer suddenly expelling air and particles rapidly does mimic the forceful bursting nature of a human sneeze. There are a few scenarios that could cause a computer to exhibit sneeze-like behavior:

Expulsion of Dust Buildup

Over time, dust inevitably collects inside computers which can build up on components like cooling fans and heat sinks. If this dust suddenly gets dislodged by vibrations or air pressure changes, it can come bursting out of vents mimicking a sneeze.

Short Circuit Scorching

In rare cases an internal electrical short circuit in a computer can cause components to rapidly overheat and smoke or even catch fire momentarily. This could force burnt debris out through the case vents erupting like a sneeze.

Failed Fan

Cooling fans eventually fail in computers. If a fan suddenly stops working, airflow patterns change leading to increased pressure which gets expelled out the vents rapidly pushing out dust particles.

Compressed Air Cleaning

When using pressurized canned air to blow out dust from inside a computer case, some particles may rapidly shoot out vents in a violent burst resembling sneeze.

Component Detachment

In cheaper computers, internal components can come loose over time. If a part suddenly pops off the motherboard, it could force air out the case vents in a sneeze-like gust.

Preventing Computer Sneezing

While not harmful, expelling dust and debris from case vents gives the illusion of a computer sneeze. Here are some tips to help prevent computer sneezing:

Clean Regularly

Use pressurized air to periodically blow out dust buildup from inside the computer case to prevent large clump expulsions.

Replace Filters

If your computer case has dust filters, change them out regularly to prevent accumulation of dust particles.

Check Internal Fans

Make sure all internal cooling fans are spinning properly and are securely installed in their mounts.

Manage Cables

Properly route cables to promote open airflow and prevent dust accumulation inside the case.

Check Component Seating

Ensure memory modules, graphics cards, drives and other components are properly seated in their slots.

No Smoking Nearby

Don't smoke cigarettes near the computer to prevent buildup of debris that could lead to sneeze-like bursts.

Optimize Airflow

Make sure vents and fans aren't obstructed by objects. Keep the area around the computer open.

Avoid Overclocking

Excessive overclocking generates more heat which requires faster fan speeds potentially expelling particles.

Diagnosing an Actual Computer Sneeze

In the rare instance something bursts forcibly from your computer resembling a sneeze, check for the following failure points:

Gunked up Fan

Examine internal cooling fans for a buildup of dust clumps that could have dislodged. Clean fan blades and housings.

Detached Cable

Check for any cables or wire bundles touching fans that could have been hit and had debris blown off.

Burnt Smell

Sniff for any smoked or burnt odor that could indicate an overheated component scorched dust.

Loose Component

Check motherboard, graphics card, RAM and drives for anything loose that could vibrate and eject particles.

Fan Failure

CPU and case fans should spin smoothly. Replace any seized, grinding or rattling fans.

Thermal Shutdown

A sudden sneeze-like event may coincide with an emergency thermal power off. Check temps and cooling performance.

Sneeze-Proofing Computers

While occasional sneeze-like behavior from computers isn't harmful, taking preventative measures can help reduce occurrences:

Air Filters

Install high quality dust filters over all case intake vents to catch particles.

Positive Pressure

Maintain positive pressure inside the case with more airflow in than out to deter dust.

Fan Curves

Adjust fan speed curves for optimal airflow at lower noise levels.

Case Seals

Seal any cracks or openings in the case to deter dust intrusion.

Internal Layout

Strategically position components for linear front to back airflow.

Air Purifiers

Use an air purifier near the computer to reduce room dust and dander.

Minimize Carpets

Carpets generate dust so opt for bare floors if possible.

ESD Straps

Wear an anti-static wrist strap when working inside computer to avoid static discharge sneezes.

Sneeze Emergency Action Plan

If your computer suddenly lets out a violent sneeze here are some steps to take:

Locate the Source

Visually inspect inside the case through vents and listen for the origin location of the sneeze.

Power Down

Safely shut down and unplug the computer before opening the case.

Check Components

Remove and reseat components like RAM, GPUs, drives and cables.

Fan Test

Ensure all fans spin smoothly without obstruction.

Thermal Analysis

Boot into BIOS or software to check current temperatures and logs.

Clean Dust

Use pressurized air to blow out any dust buildup dislodged by the sneeze event.

Filter Swap

Replace any clogged dust filters that may have allowed dust inside.

Preventing Human Sneezes on Computers

While computer sneezes are generally harmless, human sneezes around computers are extremely problematic due to spreading germs and moisture into delicate electronics which can short circuit components.

To avoid contaminating your computer with infectious bodily sneezes, follow these tips:

Avoid Sick Use

Refrain from using the computer if you have a respiratory illness with sneezing fits.

Shield Your Sneezes

Sneeze into your elbow or tissue away from the machine.

Hand Hygiene

Wash hands thoroughly before and after using the computer.

Disinfect Surfaces

Regularly sanitize keyboard, mouse and other peripherals.

Quarantine When Sick

If ill, move computer use to an isolated location away from equipment.

Mask Up

Wear a protective mask if you have allergies or cold and must use the computer.

Suppress Sneezes

Avoid snuffing irritants that may trigger sneezes when by electronics.

Adequate Spacing

Keep at least 6 feet distance between users to prevent spreading germs.

Tissues Nearby

Keep a box of tissues within reach to catch any sudden sneezes.

Protecting Computers from Human Sneezes

While it's impossible to prevent all sneezes around electronics, taking precautions can help reduce the risk of damage:

Hand Wash Stations

Have hand sanitizer readily available to promote hand hygiene.

No Food or Drink

Prohibit eating and drinking around computer equipment to reduce spills and damage risk.

Maintenance Schedule

Periodically open up computers and clean out any accumulated gunk and germs.

Protective Keyboard Covers

Use plastic covers to shield keyboards from sneeze spray.

Equipment Shields

Install plastic guards around machines to block sneeze droplets.

Avoid Touching

Refrain from touching computer surfaces to minimize germ transfer.

Room Air Purifiers

Use HEPA air cleaners to filter allergens and reduce sneezes.

Isolation Zones

Create designated areas for higher risk sneezing individuals.

Limited Access

Restrict computer access only to protected essential personnel when illness is high.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.