From Sniffles to Sneezing Fits: Why You Can’t Stop ACHOO-ing

Ah, the sneeze. That sudden, involuntary outburst that catches you off guard, especially in the middle of a quiet meeting or a perfectly timed selfie. It’s as if your body has a mind of its own, shouting “ACHOO!” without warning. But what’s going on behind the scenes when that sneeze strikes? Is it a sign of those annoying allergies, or just your body’s quirky way of saying, "I'm doing my job!" In this blog, we’ll take a fun look at sneezing — why it happens, what triggers it, and how to handle it the next time you let out a loud sneeze.

What is sneezing, really?

Sneezing is an automatic, powerful burst of air from your lungs, released through your nose and mouth. You can’t really control when you sneeze, and it’s best not to try to hold one in. Sneezing clears out irritants like dust, dirt, and pollen from your nose and throat — your body’s natural way of keeping you safe from potential illness or irritation. Although sneezing can be a bit disruptive, it's usually not a sign of anything serious.

What causes sneezing?

Sneezing can have a variety of triggers, including:

• Allergies: Common allergens like dust, mould, pet dander, and pollen can set off sneezes.

• Viral infections: Sneezing is a classic symptom of viral infections like the flu and common cold.

• Medications: Inhaling certain drugs may cause sneezing.

• Drug withdrawal: Coming off substances like certain prescription medications can also lead to sneezing.

• Spicy foods: Capsaicin in spicy foods irritates nasal passages, often causing a sneeze.

• Stress and strong emotions: High stress levels or intense emotions can trigger the release of histamine, leading to sneezing and other allergy-like symptoms like itching or hives.

These sneezing triggers relate to the body’s protective mechanisms, helping to clear irritants and maintain respiratory health.

What are some common diseases that are spread by sneezing?

Sneezing is typically a harmless reflex that helps the body expel irritants from the nose, protecting the respiratory system and maintaining clear airways. However, when a person is infected with a contagious illness, sneezing can become a means of spreading the disease. Tiny droplets expelled during a sneeze can carry viruses or bacteria, potentially infecting others nearby through the air or by contaminating surfaces. Some common diseases that are spread through sneezing include: 

• Common cold
• Influenza (flu)
• COVID-19
• Pertussis (whooping cough)
• Strep throat
• RSV (respiratory syncytial virus)
• Pneumoia
• Meningococcal disease

What are the complications of sneezing?

Sneezing, while typically harmless, can sometimes lead to complications, especially if it's chronic or forceful. Here are a few potential issues:

• Injury risks: Frequent, forceful sneezing can cause strain on muscles in the chest, abdomen, and back. In rare cases, violent sneezes can lead to rib fractures, especially in older adults or people with weakened bones.
• Nasal and throat irritation: Persistent sneezing can irritate the nasal passages and throat, leading to discomfort, soreness, or even nosebleeds.
• Spread of germs: Sneezing expels droplets containing pathogens like viruses and bacteria, increasing the risk of spreading infections, such as colds or flu, to those nearby.
• Ear issues: Holding in a sneeze or forceful sneezing can lead to increased pressure in the ear canals, sometimes causing ear pain or even rupturing an eardrum.
• Sinus complications: Frequent sneezing can aggravate sinus conditions, causing congestion, headaches, and discomfort in people with allergies or sinusitis.
• Blood vessel rupture: In very rare cases, extreme pressure from a suppressed sneeze can lead to tiny blood vessel ruptures in areas like the eyes or brain. Although these are exceptional, they underscore the importance of not suppressing sneezes.

Most sneezing complications are minor, but if it’s persistent or painful, seeing a healthcare provider can help determine if underlying conditions, like allergies or infections, are contributing.

Can sneezing be prevented? (And a few home remedies)

Sometimes, avoiding sneezes is easier said than done, but here are a few ways to dodge the sneeze attack:

• Avoid triggers: Stay away from known irritants or allergens. If there is a lot of pollen around, for instance, keep windows closed and consider a mask outside.

• Hydrate: Drinking water helps keep your nasal passages moist, making them less likely to get irritated.

Home remedies:

• Honey and ginger: A classic remedy for respiratory health, honey and ginger tea can soothe nasal irritation and reduce sneezing.

• Steam inhalation: Take a steam bath by breathing in steam from hot water. This can help clear out irritants and soothe inflamed passages.

• Peppermint oil: Inhaling peppermint essential oil may help open up your nasal passages and reduce sneezes.

Brace yourself — a sneeze is coming!

Sneezing can be annoying, a little embarrassing, and always seems to strike at the worst possible moment. But at its core, it’s just your body’s built-in defence system doing its job. Whether it’s allergies, a mild infection, or an unexpected irritant, a sneeze is your body’s way of clearing out unwanted invaders. That said, if sneezing becomes a constant disruption — especially with symptoms like fever, congestion, or a sore throat — it’s worth checking in with a healthcare provider. So, the next time a sneeze sneaks up on you, don’t fight it! Instead, embrace it as a sign that your body is looking out for you. And with the right know-how, you can keep those surprise ‘achoo’ moments under control.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can you sneeze in your sleep?

No, you can’t sneeze in your sleep. During sleep, your brain and body go into a more relaxed state, making it less likely to detect minor irritations that would trigger sneezing. Plus, the muscles involved in sneezing are mostly inactive while you’re in deep sleep stages, so your body just ignores the sneeze response until you wake up.  

2. Can you sneeze with your eyes open?

Technically, yes, you could sneeze with your eyes open, but it’s incredibly difficult. Sneezing activates reflexes that make you close your eyes as a protective mechanism. However, some people can force themselves to keep their eyes open, though it’s pretty rare.

3. Is it bad to hold in a sneeze?

Yes, holding in a sneeze isn’t a great idea. When you suppress a sneeze, the high pressure that would normally be released is instead redirected within your body. This can potentially harm your nasal passages, rupture an eardrum, or even (in extreme cases) lead to injury in the chest or blood vessels. So, it’s best to let the sneeze out if you can.

4. How can I control my sneezing problem?

To reduce sneezing, try identifying and avoiding triggers, such as allergens or irritants like dust and pollen. Over-the-counter medicines can help if allergies are the cause; however, please consult a healthcare provider before taking them. Staying hydrated, using a humidifier, or treating your nasal passages with a saline spray may also be helpful. If sneezing persists, consider seeing a healthcare provider for further guidance on potential treatment options.

5. Can vitamin D deficiency cause sneezing?

There’s no direct evidence that vitamin D deficiency specifically causes sneezing. However, vitamin D does play an essential role in supporting your immune system, which can impact how your body handles allergens and infections. Low vitamin D levels might indirectly contribute to allergic reactions or immune responses that could increase sneezing.

6. What happens if you sneeze?

When you sneeze, your body expels irritants, like dust or allergens, from your nasal passages. It’s a powerful, involuntary reaction that forces air out of your lungs and through your nose and mouth, often at high speeds. Sneezing serves as a defence mechanism to keep unwanted particles out of your respiratory system and protect your body from potential infections.