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Sneezing
Sternutation; Allergy - sneezing; Hay fever - sneezing; Flu - sneezing; Cold - sneezing; Dust - sneezing
A sneeze is a sudden, forceful, uncontrolled burst of air through the nose and mouth.
Causes
Sneezing is caused by irritation to the mucous membranes of the nose or throat. It can be very bothersome, but is rarely a sign of a serious problem.
Sneezing can be due to:
-
Allergy to pollen, mold, dander, dust (
hay fever
)
Hay fever
Allergic rhinitis is a diagnosis associated with a group of symptoms affecting the nose. These symptoms occur when you breathe in something you are ...
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-
Common cold
or
the flu
Common cold
The common cold most often causes a runny nose, nasal congestion, and sneezing. You may also have a sore throat, cough, headache, or other symptoms....
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- 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. An allergen is something that causes an allergic reaction.
Allergen
An allergen is a substance that can cause an allergic reaction. In some people, the immune system recognizes allergens as foreign or dangerous. As ...
Tips to reduce your exposure:
- Change furnace filters
- Remove pets from the home to get rid of animal dander
- Use air filters to reduce pollen in the air
- Wash linens in hot water (at least 130°F or 54°C) 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 provider will perform a physical exam and look at your nose and throat. You'll be asked about your medical history and symptoms. Questions may include when the sneezing started, whether you have other symptoms, or if you have allergies.
In some cases, allergy testing may be needed to find the cause.
Allergy testing
Allergy skin tests are used to find out which substances cause a person to have an allergic reaction.
Your provider will suggest treatments and lifestyle changes for hay fever symptoms .
Hay fever symptoms
Allergic rhinitis is a diagnosis associated with a group of symptoms affecting the nose. These symptoms occur when you breathe in something you are ...
References
Eccles R. The nose and control of nasal airflow. In: Adkinson NF Jr., Bochner BS, Burks AW, et al, eds. Middleton's Allergy Principles and Practice . 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2014:chap 40.
Rutter P. Respiratory system. In: Rutter P, ed. Community Pharmacy: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment . 3rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone; 2013:chap 1.
Seller RH, Symons AB. Colds, flu, and stuffy nose. In: Seller RH, Symons AB, eds. Differential Diagnosis of Common Complaints . 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2012:chap 7.
Review Date: 5/21/2016
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director and Director of Didactic Curriculum, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
