What causes sneezing, its symptoms, possible treatments and knowing when to see a doctor. Plus: What your sneeze means & how to see a doctor for half-price right now
Tingly nose, watery eyes and ACHOO! Why are you sneezing?
Let’s find out: What causes sneezing, what symptoms are normal, what treatments work for sneezing, about Covid-19 and knowing when to see a doctor for a sneeze.
Sneezing, also called sternutation, is a natural reflex action triggered by your body’s protective mechanisms to expel (try to “get rid of”) irritants and foreign particles from your nasal passages. That means sneezing is usually irritation (or something stuck) in the membranes of your nose.
Some common causes of sneezing are:
Pollen, dust mites, pet dander, mould spores and some foods can cause allergic reactions that lead to sneezing.
The common cold, the flu and respiratory viruses can irritate the lining in your nose, making you sneeze s your body’s defence mechanism to clear the airways.
Smoke, strong smells, chemicals, air pollution or dust can stimulate the nasal passages and make you sneeze.
When your nose is blocked due to a cold, the flu, a sinus infection or allergies, it can cause sneezing as the body attempts to clear the blockage.
Much rarer, some people start sneezing when suddenly exposed to bright light, like sunlight. The phenomenon is known as the "photic sneeze reflex" or "ACHOO syndrome" (Autosomal Dominant Compelling Helio-Ophthalmic Outburst syndrome).
Drastic temperature changes, like when you move from a warm environment to a cold one, can sometimes induce sneezing.
Using a nasal spray or lukewarm saline water solution to “irrigate” your nose can stimulate the nerves in the nasal lining and cause sneezing.
It's important to note that sneezing can also be a symptom of certain underlying medical conditions, such as hay fever (allergic rhinitis), sinusitis, nasal polyps, or nasal infections. If you start sneezing a lot without an obvious cause, it's best to see a doctor for advice.
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Want to know how to stop sneezing and runny nose? Well, the treatment for sneezing depends on the underlying cause. If you’re sneezing because of a common cold or the flu, the medications/treatments for those will work on your sneezing.
Some common treatments for sneezing include:
If you can identify specific triggers that cause your sneezing, such as allergens or irritants, it's best to avoid or minimize exposure to them.
Antihistamines are commonly used to relieve sneezing caused by allergies because they block the allergic-response chemical histamine in your body. If your nose is stuffy and blocked, decongestants help relieve it a little, but you can't take them for a long period of time. Nasal sprays containing corticosteroids can help reduce inflammation in the nasal passages and can also relieve sneezing associated with allergies.
If OTC medications are not effective, your doctor may prescribe stronger antihistamines, nasal sprays or other medications based on the underlying cause of your sneezing. For example, if allergies are severe, your doctor may prescribe steroid-containing nasal sprays or tablets.
Rinsing your nasal passages with a saline solution can help clear irritants and alleviate sneezing. This can be done using nasal sprays, a squeeze bottle or nasal irrigation kits available over the counter.
If your sneezing is caused by allergies, implementing allergen avoidance strategies can be helpful. This may involve using dust mite covers on bedding, keeping pets out of the bedroom, regularly cleaning and vacuuming your home, and using air purifiers.
Drinking plenty of fluids can help thin mucus and reduce nasal irritation. Using a humidifier or vaporizer to add moisture to the air can also alleviate dryness and reduce sneezing.
If your sneezing is severe, persistent, or significantly affects your quality of life, you can get a referral to an allergist, immunologist or otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat specialist) for further evaluation and personalised treatment recommendations.
It's important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause of your sneezing, so you can get the best treatment advice for your specific situation.
Need a referral?
Not on its own, no. Sneezing alone is not a definitive indicator for COVID-19. Sneezing is a common symptom associated with various respiratory illnesses, including the common cold, allergies, and the flu.
COVID-19 is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, and its common symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, loss of taste or smell, muscle or body aches, sore throat, and headache. Additionally, some individuals with COVID-19 may experience nasal congestion or a runny nose, which could potentially lead to sneezing. However, these symptoms are more commonly associated with other respiratory conditions.
In most cases, sneezing is a normal and temporary reflex that doesn't require medical attention. However, there are certain situations when it may be appropriate to see a doctor:
If your sneezing episodes last very long, come very often and don’t seem to stop, it may indicate an underlying medical condition, such as allergic rhinitis, chronic sinusitis, nasal polyps, or an infection that requires medical evaluation and appropriate treatment.
If your sneezing significantly affects your work, daily activities, quality of life or if it interferes with your ability to sleep or concentrate, it's best to speak to a doctor so that they can advise you.
If your sneezing goes along with concerning symptoms, such as high fever, severe nasal congestion, persistent cough, difficulty breathing, chest pain or other signs of infection or illness, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional.
If you have known allergies and your sneezing worsens or is triggered by specific allergens, despite using OTC allergy medications, it’s best to see a GP who can refer you to an allergist or immunologist for further evaluation, diagnosis, and management options.
If you have a history of allergies but notice new or different sneezing patterns, or if you experience sneezing that you've never had before, it's a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional.
It's always better to err on the side of caution and seek medical advice if you have concerns about your symptoms. A healthcare professional can evaluate your specific situation, provide a proper diagnosis, and recommend appropriate treatment options tailored to your needs.
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