Sneezing
Sneezing is an involuntary response to the irritation of the mucous membranes lining the
nose which produces a sudden force of air through the nose and
mouth.
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Fast Facts
- AKA: Sternutation3
- Droplets may travel up to 5 feet4
- Force can be 100 miles per hour4
- Up to 33% of people sneeze when exposed to bright light5
- Heart does not stop with a sneeze4
Sneezing Mechanics
Receptors in the nose send a message to the brain when they are stimulated by an irritant, such as dust, dander or bacteria. The brain attempts to expel the irritant from the body by a series of muscular contractions that culminate in a sneeze. A number of muscles are involved in the process, including the abdominal muscles, chest muscles, diaphragm and throat muscles. While not involved in actually generating the sneeze, the muscles in the eyelids automatically contract to close the eyes while sneezing.1
Sneezing Triggers
The most common trigger of sneezing is allergies. Other common triggers are dust, pollen, smoke, mold, pet dander, the common cold and exposure to bright lights.6 5
Prevention
The best way to prevent sneezing caused by allergies is by removing the allergens. Using an air filter can helps reduce irritants in the air. Sneezing that is caused from another source should stop once the cause of the problem is eliminated.7
Photic Sneeze Reflex
The photic sneeze reflex is a condition that is characterized by sneezing when the sufferer is exposed to bright lights. This condition is thought to be inherited and usually persists throughout life.8 5
Disclaimer
The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you are concerned about sneezing, please consult your doctor.
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Hay Fever | Rhinitis | Allergy | Nose | Mouth | Antihistamine | Common Cold | Allergy Triggers | Cat Allergy | Dog Allergy | Oral Allergy Syndrome (OAS) | Benadryl | Genetics
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