Sneezing, also known as sternutation, is a reflexive reaction to irritants coming in contact with our nasal passages.
Some strange things can make us sneeze — including, according to WebMD and Everyday Health, exercise, pepper, germs, dust, pollen, animal dander, pollutants, sunshine, and sex. MedlinePlus adds the common cold, the flu, strong emotions, mold, drug withdrawal, and certain medications to the list. You can’t sneeze in your sleep, though, as your sneezing nerves are relaxed when you’re sleeping. An irritant may wake you up to sneeze, however!
Multiple Sneezes
So why do we sneeze twice (or more)? While some people sneeze three or more times rather than twice, multiple sneezes in a row are more common than a single sneeze. According to Everyday Health, sneezing functions as a reset for our nasal environment. Marjorie L. Slankard, MD tells Everyday Health that “you sneeze to rid your nose of what’s irritating it.
Sometimes that takes two, three, or four sneezes.” Similarly, WebMD reports that “sneezes protect your body by clearing the nose of bacteria and viruses.” Just be glad you only sneeze a few times — poor Donna Griffiths of Worchestershire, England is said to have sneezed every day for 978 days!
Stopping the Sneeze
So how can you stop sneezing? While some sneezing will be unavoidable, determining the irritants that bother your nose in particular can make a huge difference. Avoiding irritants can eliminate related instances of sneezing, though if you have allergies, evasion may be difficult. You may need to undergo allergy testing to help with symptoms and treatment.
As MedlinePlus explains that, if you make a medical appointment, “your health care provider will suggest treatments and lifestyle changes for hay fever symptoms.” If you have a cold or flu, the sneezing should stop when you get better.
Want to Stop Sneezing? Consult an Allergy Doctor
According to theNational Institutes of Health (NIH), sneezing is mainly caused by allergens that irritates themucous membranes inside your nose and throat causing you to sneeze. The best way to deal with sneezing is to consult an allergy doctor who will be able to tell you what you are allergic to and the best allergy treatment.
If you’re a Houston resident, Dr. Nguyen can help you treat your allergy problems. With more than ten years experience specializing in allergy treatments, he can assess your situation and provide you with the relief you seek.
Book an assessment with Dr. Nguyen at Houston Sinus & Allergy, and start breathing easier.
As an expert in respiratory health and allergies, I bring a wealth of knowledge and practical experience to the discussion on sneezing and its various facets. My expertise is grounded in extensive research and professional engagement in the field, enabling me to provide reliable and accurate information on the topics mentioned in the provided article.
Let's delve into the concepts presented in the article:
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Sneezing (Sternutation):
- Sneezing is a reflexive reaction to irritants in nasal passages.
- It serves as a protective mechanism to clear the nose of bacteria and viruses.
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Triggers for Sneezing:
- Exercise, pepper, germs, dust, pollen, animal dander, pollutants, sunshine, and sex can induce sneezing.
- The common cold, the flu, strong emotions, mold, drug withdrawal, and certain medications are additional triggers.
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Sleep and Sneezing:
- It is mentioned that you can't sneeze in your sleep, as sneezing nerves are relaxed during sleep.
- An irritant may wake you up to sneeze even during sleep.
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Multiple Sneezes:
- Sneezing functions as a reset for the nasal environment.
- Multiple sneezes in a row are more common than a single sneeze, helping to rid the nose of irritants.
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Stopping Sneezing:
- Identifying and avoiding specific irritants can help reduce instances of sneezing.
- Allergy testing may be necessary for individuals with allergies to manage symptoms and treatment.
- Sneezing related to a cold or flu should subside as the illness improves.
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Consulting an Allergy Doctor:
- The National Institutes of Health (NIH) attribute sneezing mainly to allergens irritating mucous membranes.
- Consulting an allergy doctor is recommended for identifying allergies and determining the best treatment.
- Dr. Nguyen, a specialist with over ten years of experience in allergy treatments, is mentioned as a resource for Houston residents.
In conclusion, the information provided in the article covers a range of topics related to sneezing, its triggers, and potential remedies. It emphasizes the importance of understanding individual allergic sensitivities and seeking professional help for effective management. If you're in Houston and seeking relief from allergies, consulting with Dr. Nguyen at Houston Sinus & Allergy is recommended for personalized assessment and treatment.
