Sneezing
A sneeze is a sudden, forceful, uncontrolled burst of air through the nose and mouth.
Causes
Sneezing is caused by irritation to the mucus membranes of the nose or throat. It can be very bothersome, but is rarely a sign of a serious problem.
- Allergy to pollen, mold, dander, dust (hay fever)
- Breathing in corticosteroids (from certain nose sprays)
- Common cold or the flu
- Drug withdrawal
- Triggers such as dust, air pollution, dry air, spicy foods, strong emotions, certain medicines, and powders
Home Care
Avoiding exposure to the allergen is the best way to control sneezing caused by allergies.
Tips to reduce your exposure:
- Change furnace filters
- Remove pets from the home to get rid of animal dander
- Travel to areas with low pollen counts
- Use air filters to reduce pollen in the air
- Wash linens in hot water (at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit) to kill dust mites
In some cases, you may need to move out of a home with a mold spore problem.
Sneezing that is not due to an allergy will disappear when the illness that is causing it is cured or treated.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call your health care provider if sneezing is affecting your life and home remedies do not work.
What to Expect at Your Office Visit
Your health care provider will perform a physical exam and your nose and throat. You will be asked questions about your medical history and symptoms, such as:
- During what time of year is sneezing the worst?
- When did the sneezing begin?
- How long do sneezing episodes last?
- Do you have a history of allergies?
- Have you been outdoors more than usual?
- Do you have any new pets?
- What have you done to try to relieve the sneezing?
- How well has it worked?
- What other symptoms do you have?
In some cases, allergy testing may be needed to find the cause.
Your health care provider will suggest treatments and lifestyle changes for hay fever symptoms.
Alternative Names
Sternutation
References
Bahls C. In the clinic: allergic rhinitis. Ann Intern Med. 2007;146(7):ITC4-1-ITC4-16.
Saleh HA, Durham SR. Perennial rhinitis. BMJ. 2007;335(7618):502-507.
Update Date: 6/17/2012
Updated by: Stuart I. Henochowicz, MD, FACP, Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine, Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology, Georgetown University Medical School. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M. Health Solutions, Ebix, Inc.
MedlinePlus Topics
Images
Patient Instructions
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2012, A.D.A.M., Inc. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized in writing by ADAM Health Solutions.
