That tickle in your nose that just won’t quit, followed by sneeze after sneeze – we’ve all been there. Sneezing is a common bodily function, a reflex designed to clear irritants from your nasal passages. While most people sneeze occasionally, experiencing a bout of 20 sneezes in a row can be quite disruptive and leave you wondering, “Why is this happening to me?”
To understand why you might be experiencing these sneezing fits, let’s delve into the science behind sneezing, explore common triggers, and when excessive sneezing might warrant a closer look.
What is Sneezing and Why Do We Do It?
Sneezing, in scientific terms, is your body’s natural defense mechanism for expelling foreign particles and irritants from your nose and respiratory system. Dr. Frederick Yoo, an otolaryngologist and sinus surgery specialist at Henry Ford Health, explains, “Sneezing is often triggered by irritants to the nose. Your trigeminal nerve, a large nerve with branches to different parts of the face, is stimulated by irritants like allergens, foreign objects, mucus, or even boogers in the nose. This irritation signals your body to initiate a sneeze.”
Think of your trigeminal nerve as an alarm system for your nose. When it detects something unwelcome, it sets off a chain reaction. This reaction involves your chest muscles, diaphragm, throat, and eyelids working in concert to forcefully expel air, along with mucus and irritants, out of your nose and mouth. This powerful expulsion can project droplets at speeds of up to 100 miles per hour, effectively clearing your nasal passages.
Alt text: Person covering nose and mouth with tissue while sneezing, illustrating sneeze containment.
Common Sneezing Triggers
Beyond common irritants, several other factors can trigger sneezing. These triggers can be quite varied and sometimes surprising:
- Allergens: Pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and mold spores are common culprits for allergy-related sneezing. These allergens irritate the nasal passages, leading to repeated sneezing to expel them.
- Irritants: Smoke, pollution, perfumes, and strong odors can also irritate your nasal passages and trigger sneezing.
- Cold Air: A sudden blast of cold air can be sensitive on your face and nose. Your trigeminal nerve may interpret this cool breeze as an irritant, leading to a sneeze.
- Bright Light: Believe it or not, bright light can cause some people to sneeze. This is known as the photic sneeze reflex or ACHOO syndrome (Autosomal dominant Compelling Helio-Ophthalmic Outburst). It’s estimated to affect about 30% of the population and is often hereditary.
- Full Stomach (Snatiation Reflex): For some, a full stomach can trigger sneezing. This snatiation reflex is thought to be related to the stretching of the stomach after eating, which somehow stimulates the sneeze reflex in susceptible individuals.
- Sexual Arousal: While less common, sexual arousal can also lead to sneezing in some people. This is thought to be due to the complex interplay of the nervous system, which is involved in both sneezing and sexual arousal.
- Postictal Sneezing (After Seizures): Individuals with epilepsy may experience sneezing fits after a seizure. This is known as postictal sneezing and is a neurological phenomenon that is not fully understood.
Why the Sneezing Fit? Why 20 Times in a Row?
Sneezing multiple times in a row is actually quite normal. Often, the first sneeze isn’t enough to clear all the irritants from your nasal passages. Think of it like needing to cough more than once to clear your throat. Sometimes, it simply takes a series of sneezes to effectively expel whatever is bothering your nose.
As Dr. Yoo mentions, “Some people notice they sneeze the same number of times, every time. Again, this is completely normal; sometimes it’s more habitual than anything else.” Your body might just be programmed to sneeze multiple times to ensure the nasal passages are clear.
However, if you find yourself sneezing 20 times in a row, or experiencing frequent and prolonged sneezing fits, it could indicate a heightened level of irritation or sensitivity in your nasal passages. This could be due to:
- Increased Allergen Exposure: You might be encountering a higher concentration of allergens, like pollen during allergy season, causing your body to work harder to expel them.
- Stronger Irritants: Exposure to more potent irritants, such as strong fumes or smoke, could also trigger more intense and prolonged sneezing.
- Nasal Inflammation: Conditions like rhinitis, which involves inflammation of the nasal cavity lining, can make your nasal passages more sensitive and prone to excessive sneezing.
Alt text: Diagram illustrating nasal passages and sinus cavities, highlighting areas affected by rhinitis and inflammation.
When to Be Concerned About Excessive Sneezing
While sneezing fits are often benign, there are times when they can signal an underlying issue that warrants medical attention. Consider consulting a doctor if your excessive sneezing is accompanied by:
- Other Allergy Symptoms: If you experience sneezing fits along with a runny nose, itchy eyes, congestion, and throat irritation, it could be a sign of allergies.
- Persistent Symptoms: If your sneezing fits are frequent, prolonged, and don’t seem to resolve on their own, it’s worth getting checked out.
- Nasal Congestion and Discharge: Excessive sneezing accompanied by thick nasal discharge, facial pain, or pressure could indicate a sinus infection or rhinitis.
- Impact on Daily Life: If your sneezing fits are significantly impacting your daily activities, sleep, or overall quality of life, seeking medical advice is advisable.
Tips to Manage Sneezing Fits
While you can’t completely eliminate sneezing, you can take steps to manage and reduce the frequency and intensity of sneezing fits:
- Identify and Avoid Triggers: If you suspect allergies, try to identify your specific allergens and minimize your exposure to them. This might involve using air purifiers, washing bedding frequently, and avoiding outdoor activities during high pollen counts. Similarly, try to avoid known irritants like smoke and strong perfumes.
- Practice Good Nasal Health:
- Blow Your Nose Regularly: Gently blowing your nose can help remove irritants and mucus buildup.
- Nasal Saline Irrigation or Sinus Rinse: Using a nasal saline spray or rinse can help to flush out irritants and moisturize your nasal passages.
- Consider Allergy Medications: Over-the-counter antihistamines or nasal corticosteroids can help manage allergy-related sneezing. Consult with your doctor or pharmacist to determine the best option for you.
While experiencing 20 sneezes in a row can be momentarily alarming, it’s usually just your body doing its job to clear out irritants. However, if you are concerned about the frequency or intensity of your sneezing, or if it’s accompanied by other troubling symptoms, don’t hesitate to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause and appropriate management strategies.
This article incorporates expert insights from Dr. Frederick Yoo, an ENT doctor at Henry Ford Health.
