Sneezing | Sternutation | Allergies | Irritation

 

Sneezing is the act of forcing out a sudden and uncontrollable blast of air through your nose and mouth. Sneezing can occur for various reasons that all have a common irritation of lining of mucous membranes of the nose or throat. Rarely is it a sign of major disease.

Sneezing is a strong and sudden uncontrolled blast of air through the nose and mouth. It is a way of removing irritants from your nose and throat. Generally, sneezing is an evacuation of air which is spontaneous and strong. Usually, sneezing happens suddenly without giving warning. Alternative name for sneezing is sternutation.

Usually, sneezing is somewhat bothersome but it is not that serious. It can occur as part of an allergic reaction or it can be associated with any infection or illness. Because of drug interaction to your nose or throat or giving direct stimulation to your nose with nasal spray or touching the nasal mucosa or some other irritants, it creates sudden sneezing. Sneezing can be associated with vasomotor rhinitis.

Typically, sneezing can be prevented by avoiding irritants like dust and other allergens. If the sneezing occurs due to allergies or infections, removing the allergen by taking allergy medications like antihistamines or nasal sprays or else treating the illness will usually resolve the sneezing.

Causes

Your nose’s job is to clean the air you breathe and make sure it is dirt and bacteria free. In most cases, the nose will trap this dirt and bacteria which is present in the mucus. In some cases of sneezing, dirt and debris will enter into the nose which irritates the sensitive mucous membranes that present inside the nose and throat. When these sensitive membranes become irritated it will make you sneeze.

Allergies

Allergies are common diseases which are induced by the reaction of the body to various foreign species. Under the normal conditions, your body's immune system protects it from harmful substances like disease-causing bacteria.

If you have allergies, your body's immune system usually marks the harmless species as hazards. When your body tries to force out specific creatures, allergies will cause you to sneeze.

Infections

Generally, infections will be caused by viruses like the common cold, and the flu can also cause you to sneeze. Over 200 different viruses are available which induce the effect of common cold. The rhinovirus is responsible for certain colds.

Less common causes

Some other less common causes are:

• trauma to the nose 

• withdrawal from certain medicines like opioid narcotics 

• inhaling irritants like dust and pepper

• breathing cold air

Treatment

If your provider confirms the causes then they suggest the appropriate treatment. Your treatment plan usually depends on causes and also based on severity of symptoms.

• If your sneezing is the result of allergies or an infection. You and your provider will work together to treat the root cause and try to relieve your sneezing.

• If an allergy is the root cause of sneezing then your first step will be to eliminate recognized allergens. Your provider will teach you how to identify these allergens so that you can stay away from them.

• Counter medications and prescription medications like antihistamines are also available to relieve your symptoms.

• Your provider can suggest you take allergy shots if you have serious allergies. Generally, these allergy shots contain purified allergen extracts. And expose your body in small doses which helps prevent your body from reacting to the allergens in future.

• If you have infections like common cold or the flu, you have limited treatment options. Currently, antibiotics are not effective in treating the viruses which cause colds and flu.

Complications of Sneezing

Generally, and also most of the time, sneezing is a harmless reflective action. But some rare complications can occur which includes:

• Broken Blood Vessels: Sometimes sneezing causes broken blood vessels in the face.

• Ear Injuries: It can also cause some types of ear injuries, like ruptured eardrums.

• Sinus Infection: If the mucus from a sneeze deposits in the sinuses which leads to sinus infection.

• Pneumonia: Sneezing can cause serious lung infections called pneumonia.

Home Remedies

Understand triggers

It is very easy to spot triggers and it should be avoided if you want to avoid sneezes. Some common items like Spicy foods, perfumes, dust, cold causing viruses, dandruff, and baking flour can cause sneezing. So you should avoid them.

Get more vitamin C

Generally, Vitamin C supports the immune system so it is one of the most vital nutrients if you have a cold. Typically it has antihistamine and it can be found in citrus fruits and certain vegetables. Some foods are high in vitamin C which includes guava, mustard, spinach, kiwis, oranges, lemons and can help to fight a cold.

Ginger and Tulsi

Ginger and tulsi are very helpful in fighting against cold. You can add them in your tea is the easiest and reliable way of fighting sneezing. You can also add 3-4 tulsi leaves in the tea for added benefits.

Amla

Amla has high antioxidants and antibacterial properties. These properties build our immunity. Drinking amla juice 2 to 3 times a day or eating 3 to 4 amlas a day will help you to stop the irritants of sneezing.

Chew black cardamom

Another great ingredient which has properties will help reduce your sneezing by Black cardamom. You can chew a black cardamom 2 to 3 times a day when you have a cold. It has a powerful aroma and also contains oil content which will help you normalize the mucus flow and remove irritants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What does it mean to sneeze a lot?

Ans: If you do notice you sneeze more frequently, you may have an allergy that you are unaware of or inflammation of the nasal cavity called chronic rhinitis.

Q2. What are the benefits of sneezing?

Ans: Sneezing is an important part of the immune process, helping to keep us healthy and sniffle-free

Q3. What are the 5 stages of cold?

Ans: The stages of a cold include the incubation period, appearance of symptoms, remission, and recovery.

Q4. Does sneezing help clear lungs?

Ans: Sneezing protects us by clearing our nasal and bronchial passages and our lungs of dust, pollens, and other irritating substances.

Q5. How do I stop sneezing at night?

Ans: To prevent these sneeze attacks, try dusting your bedroom, regularly vacuuming the floors, and using an air purifier.