That familiar tickle in your nose – we all know it. You might rub your nose, twitch it, trying to ignore it, but relief only comes with a loud “ACHOO!” Sneezing is a common bodily function, your system’s way of expelling irritants from your nasal passages. While most people sneeze occasionally, experiencing frequent sneezing can be bothersome and raise questions. To understand why you might be sneezing more than usual, we consulted Dr. Frederick Yoo, an experienced otolaryngologist and sinus surgery specialist at Henry Ford Health.
“Sneezing is often a response to nasal irritation,” explains Dr. Yoo. “The trigeminal nerve, a large nerve with branches throughout the face, is responsible. Irritation to this nerve in the nose, whether from allergens, foreign objects, dried mucus, or excessive mucus, signals the body to sneeze.”
Beyond common irritants, several other factors can trigger sneezing fits:
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Full Stomach and Sneezing: Ever sneezed after a large meal? This might be due to the snatiation reflex. The distension of your stomach after eating can, in some individuals, trigger a sneeze.
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Cold Air and Sneezing: A sudden chill can also induce sneezing. Cold air can be sensitive on your face, and the trigeminal nerve might misinterpret a cool breeze as a nasal irritant, leading to a sneeze.
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Bright Light and Sneezing (ACHOO Syndrome): Do bright lights make you sneeze? You might have the photic sneeze reflex, also known as Autosomal Dominant Compelling Helio-Ophthalmic Outburst syndrome, or ACHOO syndrome. This condition, affecting approximately 30% of the population, is often hereditary and causes sneezing in response to bright light exposure.
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Sexual Arousal and Sneezing: Intriguingly, sexual arousal can also lead to sneezing in some people. The nervous system plays a role in both sneezing and sexual arousal, and stimulation in one area can sometimes trigger a response in the other.
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Sneezing After Seizures: For individuals with epilepsy, postictal sneezing, or sneezing after a seizure, can occur. This is something to be aware of as a potential post-seizure symptom.
Is Sneezing Multiple Times in a Row Normal?
Sneezing more than once in succession is perfectly normal. Often, a single sneeze isn’t enough to clear the nasal passage of irritants. Research indicates that the average person sneezes about four times per day.
“Some individuals notice they consistently sneeze the same number of times each episode,” Dr. Yoo notes. “This is usually normal and can sometimes be more of a habitual pattern than anything else.”
However, if you observe a significant increase in your sneezing frequency, it could signal an underlying issue. Allergies, whether seasonal or year-round, are a common culprit. Another possibility is chronic rhinitis, which involves inflammation of the nasal lining. If you’re concerned about a sudden or persistent change in your sneezing habits, consulting with your healthcare provider is advisable to determine the cause.
Related Topic: 6 Things You Should Know About Chronic Runny Nose
Managing Sneezing: What Can You Do?
Once a sneeze is triggered, stopping it can be difficult.
“Some people find that pinching their nose can provide some relief,” says Dr. Yoo. “However, the most effective approach to reduce sneezing throughout the day is to maintain good nasal health practices on a daily basis.”
Dr. Yoo recommends the following strategies:
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Minimize Exposure to Allergens: If you know you have allergies, try to avoid your known triggers as much as possible. This might include staying indoors during high pollen counts, using air purifiers, and reducing dust mites in your home.
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Regularly Blow Your Nose: Keeping your nasal passages clear of mucus and irritants can help reduce the urge to sneeze. Blow your nose gently and frequently throughout the day, especially if you feel congested.
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Consider Nasal Saline Irrigation or Sinus Rinses: Nasal saline rinses can be very beneficial in flushing out irritants, allergens, and excess mucus from your nasal passages. Using a neti pot or saline spray can help keep your nasal passages moist and clear, potentially reducing sneezing.
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 expels particles further than coughing or talking, so covering your mouth and nose is essential to prevent the spread of germs. When you need to sneeze, cover your mouth and nose with your elbow or upper arm. Continue to wear a mask in public settings. If you sneeze into your mask, it’s recommended to change or wash it as soon as possible.
To find a doctor at Henry Ford Health, visit henryford.com or call 1-800-HENRYFORD (436-7936).
Dr. Frederick Yoo is a board-certified ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) doctor specializing in otolaryngology. He practices at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit and Henry Ford Medical Center – Lakeside in Sterling Heights.
