Sneezing

Sneezing, also called "sternutation," is the way the body removes irritants from the nose. The brain has a "sneeze center” that is stimulated by signals sent from the nose. This center relays a message to certain muscles that join to produce the intricate process you know as the sneeze.

The process includes muscles of the chest, abdomen, diaphragm (the muscle that controls breathing), vocal cords, throat and eyelids. People always close their eyes when they sneeze. The part of the brain that controls the sneeze is responsible for sending the message to the muscles in the proper sequence. When the message is relayed correctly, the sneeze occurs and the nose is cleared of the irritant.

Sneezing can send small particles from the nose at up to 100 miles per hour. A variety of irritants can cause sneezing. For some, pepper causes sneezing; others may sneeze in the presence of dust or as part of their body's allergic reaction to a dog, cat, grasses or pollen (found in plants, trees and flowers). For still others, none of these irritants will cause a sneeze.

Sneezing can accompany a cold or allergy. When the sneeze is allergy-related, the trigger may include dust, animals, pollen or mold (found inside and outside, especially where damp). In a cold-related sneeze, the cold virus is active in the nose, causing irritation and swelling of the nasal mucosa. Sneezes can get “stuck”: Sometimes you feel as if you are going to sneeze, but it never happens.

For some people, the bright sun can provoke a sneeze. About one out of three people sneezes in the presence of bright light. These sneezers are called "photics" (from the Greek word "phos," meaning "of light"). Photic sneezers run in families, since this trait is inherited.

What to Do

Talk to your doctor if your sneezing is accompanied by other cold-like symptoms, such as headache, stuffy nose or chest congestion; if you also have itchy eyes, trouble breathing or a rash accompanying the sneezing (these other symptoms can indicate allergy or an allergic reaction that requires treatment); or if you also have a fever (colds that last longer than two weeks may signal a bacterial infection, which may require an antibiotic from your doctor).

Use Medicine Effectively

Take over-the-counter (OTC) cold medicines if your sneezing is caused by a cold. Take OTC allergy medicines if your sneezing is caused by an allergy.

Self-care Steps for Sneezing

Get lots of rest.
Drink plenty of fluids.
If you are a "photic" sneezer, try to minimize your exposure to bright light or bright sunshine.
Cold viruses are very contagious. If you're sneezing because you have a cold, try to limit contact with tissues or fingers that may have been exposed to the virus.
Wash hands more often. Cold viruses are passed through hand contact.