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• 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.YourTotalHealth: About Sneezing MedlinePlus: Sneezing

• Fast Facts

  1. AKA: SternutationYourTotalHealth: Sneezing
  2. Droplets may travel up to 5 feet The Library of Congress: Every Day Mysteries
  3. Force can be 100 miles per hourThe Library of Congress: Every Day Mysteries
  4. Up to 33% of people sneeze when exposed to bright lightHealthLine: ACHOO Syndrome
  5. Heart does not stop with a sneezeThe Library of Congress: Every Day Mysteries

• 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.YourTotalHealth: About Sneezing

• 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.MedlinePlus: Sneezing: Causes Healthline: ACHOO Syndrome

• 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.MedlinePlus: Sneezing: Home Care

• Photic Sneeze Reflex

  The photic sneeze reflex is a condition that is characterized by sneezing when the sufferer is exposed to bright lights. A symptom of this disorder is uncontrollable sneezing multiple times over. This condition is thought to be inherited and usually persists throughout life.MedicineNet: Definition of Photic Sneeze Reflex Healthline: Achoo Syndrome

• Disclaimer

  The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you are concerned about sneezing, please consult your doctor.

• Related Mahalo Pages

  Hay Fever | Rhinitis | Allergy | Pink Eye Treatment | Nose | Mouth | Antihistamine | Common Cold | Allergy Triggers | Cat Allergy | Dog Allergy | Oral Allergy Syndrome (OAS) | Benadryl | Genetics

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