That familiar tickle in your nose, the anticipation building, and then – Achoo! Sneezing is a reflex we all experience. It’s your body’s way of expelling irritants and keeping your nasal passages clear. While the occasional sneeze is normal, you might wonder, “Why Am I Sneezing So Much All Of A Sudden?” if you find yourself reaching for tissues more often than usual.
According to Dr. Frederick Yoo, an expert otolaryngologist and sinus surgery specialist at Henry Ford Health, increased sneezing can often be traced back to nasal irritants. “Sneezing is frequently triggered by irritants to the nose,” Dr. Yoo explains. “The trigeminal nerve, a large nerve with branches throughout the face, is responsible. Irritation of this nerve in the nose, whether from allergens, foreign objects, boogers, or mucus, signals the body to sneeze.”
But irritants are just the beginning. Let’s explore some surprising reasons why you might be experiencing a sudden increase in sneezing:
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Full Stomach: Ever sneezed right after a big meal? It’s not just you. This phenomenon is called the snatiation reflex. The stretching of your stomach after eating can, in some people, trigger a sneeze.
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Cold Air: A sudden blast of cold air can also set off a sneezing fit. Cold air can be quite sensitive on your face, and your trigeminal nerve might misinterpret that cool breeze as a nasal irritant.
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Bright Light: Do you sneeze when you step into bright sunlight? You might have the photic sneeze reflex, also known as Autosomal Dominant Compelling Helio-Ophthalmic Outburst (ACHOO) syndrome. This condition affects approximately 30% of people and is often hereditary.
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Sexual Arousal: This might sound surprising, but your nervous system plays a role in both sneezing and sexual arousal. Because of this overlap, sexual arousal can sometimes lead to sneezing in some individuals.
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Seizures: For individuals with epilepsy, it’s important to recognize potential post-seizure symptoms. In some cases, sneezing multiple times in a row can occur after a seizure, known as postictal sneezing.
Alt text: A man demonstrating proper sneeze etiquette by sneezing into his elbow to prevent the spread of germs.
What Does Multiple Sneezing Mean?
Sneezing more than once in a row is perfectly normal. Often, it simply takes a few tries for your body to successfully clear the nasal passage of whatever is causing the irritation. Research indicates that most people sneeze around four times per day.
“Some individuals notice they consistently sneeze the same number of times each episode,” notes Dr. Yoo. “Again, this is usually normal, and can sometimes be more of a habit than anything else.”
However, if you observe a significant and sudden increase in your sneezing frequency, it could indicate an underlying issue. Allergies, whether seasonal or year-round, are a common culprit. Another possibility is chronic rhinitis, which is inflammation of the nasal cavity. If you are concerned about a sudden change in your sneezing habits, it’s always wise to discuss it with your healthcare provider.
Related Topic: 6 Things You Should Know About Chronic Runny Nose
How to Stop Sneezing Fits
Once a sneeze is triggered, stopping it can feel nearly impossible.
“Some people find that pinching their nose can offer some relief,” suggests Dr. Yoo. “However, the most effective strategy for minimizing sneezing throughout the day is to prioritize good nasal health on a daily basis.”
Dr. Yoo recommends the following tips for maintaining healthy nasal passages and reducing sneezing:
- Avoid Known Allergens: If you know you have allergies, try to limit your exposure to those triggers. This might involve staying indoors during high pollen days, or reducing dust mites in your home.
- Blow Your Nose Regularly: Keeping your nasal passages clear of mucus and irritants can help prevent sneezing.
- Nasal Saline Irrigation or Sinus Rinse: Using a nasal saline rinse can help to flush out irritants and keep your nasal passages moist and healthy.
Related Topic: Should You Still Rinse Your Sinuses During The COVID-19 Outbreak?
With respiratory illnesses still circulating, it’s crucial to remember proper sneeze etiquette. Sneezing can spread particles much further than coughing or talking. When you feel a sneeze coming on, cover your mouth and nose with your elbow. And remember, wearing a mask is still a good practice in many situations. If you need to sneeze while wearing a mask, it’s perfectly fine to sneeze into it – just be sure to wash or replace your mask as soon as you can.
To consult with a doctor at Henry Ford Health, please visit henryford.com or call 1-800-HENRYFORD (436-7936).
Dr. Frederick Yoo is a board-certified ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) doctor practicing at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit and Henry Ford Medical Center – Lakeside in Sterling Heights.
