What happens if I hold my breath and squeeze my nose?

Question

I have been very worried because what might happen if i squeeze my nose and hold my breath? Would I die or would just faint becuasue I get these phobias sometiems. I have aspergers syndrome so this is why i think like this sometimes

Answer 1

For a couple seconds? Nothing. For longer than a a few minutes, you will either decide you can't do it anymore and breathe, or you will pass out.

Answer 2

If you hold it long enough you can pass out.

But why would you even try it?

Answer 3

After you passed out, if you could even hold your breath that long, your body would breathe on its own again naturally.  

Answer 4

James, fortunately if you were to intentionally deprive your brain/body of oxygen for a sufficient period of time that it could no longer sustain basic functions, you would faint -- and then begin breathing normally as your cerebral cortex takes back the command of your body while you're unconscious.

We're fortunate in that we can't override some of these systems that we have built in.

In any case, it's not a good idea to intentionally deprive your brain of oxygen for no reason. While there are many diving exercises that require the regulated holding and releasing of breath, there are also specific oxygen uptake strategies to recover from the effects quickly.

Bottom line: the body & brain need oxygen, so don't fight it if you don't have to.

Hope that helps.

Answer 5

See a Dr. asap. You have more than aspergers going on. Seriously. Actually to answer this question you would do neither- your body would not allow you make yourself pass out or die. You would get very dizzy and release your nose and breathe. Really see the doc. Good luck.

Answer 6

youd pass out, then youll begin breathing again as normal  

Answer 7

well, you wouldnt die just pass out for a second, if you didnt let go. but i think most people no matter how hard they try to do this would exentually have to let go to breath

Answer 8

umm... depends on how long you did it. you would probably just pass out. don't try it.