Why you can not hold back when you want to sneeze, explained the doctor

Sneezing is an unconditional defense reflex. This is how we clean the nasal mucosa from foreign particles that seem dangerous to us: remove dust and other irritants from the upper respiratory tract. But what if you are overcome by frequent sneezing, and no apparent reason for it? Should it be alert?

Dr. M.D., Doctor of Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics SITILAB

Tells about the possible causes of frequent sneezing.

Why we sneeze

There are mainly three reasons why people sneeze:

• due to an allergic reaction, when allergen particles enter the respiratory tract;
• when the nasopharyngeal mucosa gets an infection (this is why, for example, sneezing is a common symptom of viral diseases);
• due to mechanical irritation of the nasal mucosa (for example, if you hit a nub or inhaled smoke).

These are all safe and natural reactions. Sneezing protects us from dust and germs, helps the nasal mucosa to cleanse itself.

What means frequent sneezing for no apparent reason

There are also individual peculiarities, because of which a person reacts to unexpected stimuli. Some people sneeze because of bright light or after a dense lunch. This probably happens if the nerve fibers are intertwined in a special way, because of which they send a false alarm signal to the brain. However, there is nothing dangerous in this either, such reactions are individual peculiarities. Just like someone sneezes once and someone sneezes ten times in a row.

How many times in a row is it safe to sneeze

There is no “safe” or “dangerous” rate of sneezing. However, if you start sneezing more often than usual, it’s worth paying attention to your overall health. It could be a symptom of an incipient acute respiratory infection, flu, or covitis. Also look out for lifestyle changes: maybe you’ve tried a new exotic product? Or gotten a pet? Or haven’t done a wet cleaning in a while? Sneezing is a common symptom of an allergic reaction.

If you can’t find the source of the allergy on your own, you should see an allergist and get tested for respiratory allergens.

What you should not do is to hold back the urge to sneeze, it can be really dangerous. When sneezing with a closed mouth or clamped nose sharply increases intracranial pressure. Consequences can range from headaches to hearing loss to brain hemorrhage.

Of course, for such dire consequences need prerequisites and already existing violations, but you should not take risks. If you want to sneeze, just turn away and cover your mouth with a disposable handkerchief.

And lastly, a curious fact: it is impossible to sneeze with open eyes. This is also a reflex, the eyes close automatically – so the body protects the eye vessels from damage.

Another mysterious for many people reaction of the body – twitching of the eye. What it can mean, told in the article at the link.