6 Reasons Why You Are Sneezing Like Mad
Frequent sneezing can be so annoying and confusing especially when you start having sneezing fits all of a sudden. But there is often a reason behind every time you sneeze.
According to an allergist, people often sneeze because of the little hairs in our noses that filter the air we breathe from outside invaders that may harm us. These little hairs are called Cilia. Cilia can sense if there is something that your nose or body wants to get rid of. When this happens, the body starts to trigger a sneezing spree to get it out. In a way, sneezing is merely a self-cleansing procedure of our body.
Sneezing can come in twos or threes. When the particles that the sneeze is working to expel didn’t all make it out at the first sneeze, two to three sneezes in a row may occur. Sometimes, it can even occur more than three times.
A sneeze does not happen for no reason, there is always a reason behind it. If you have suddenly started sneezing, you may need to consider any one of the following reasons:
1. Bright light or sunlight
Approximately 18 to 35 percent of people suffer from a condition known as photic sneeze reflex, or PSR, or autosomal dominant compelling helio ophthalmic outburst (ACHOO) syndrome. This is marked by uncontrollable sneezing when suddenly exposed to any form of bright light or intense sunlight. To manage the symptoms, it is recommended to wear a hat or sunglasses to shield the eyes from direct sunlight whenever possible. Potential hazards include the possibility of drivers having road accidents caused by sneezing.
2. A cold is imminent
There are times when sneezing is a sign of a potential cold or upcoming cold. Other symptoms of cold include watery eyes, nasal congestion, runny nose, coughs, sore throats fevers, or chills. These colds can happen at any time of the year and can be a reason behind your constant sneezing.
3. Exposure to certain spices
Pepper is one of the most common spices that cause people to sneeze, but it is not the only one that can trigger a reaction. There are also times when eating spices may trigger a sneezing fit, especially when consuming spicy foods.
4. Extreme temperature change
The extreme temperature change can trigger sneezing. Fortunately, it is one of the easiest to resolve. This type of sneezing usually goes away once your body adjusts to the new temperature. So when the season change and you start sneezing like mad even though you cannot see any of your know triggers, this could be the reason why.
5. Pet dander allergies
Pet dander is basically mostly dead skin cell. It is a combination of microscopic specks of skin scraped off by cats, dogs, and other animals covered in fur or feathers. This can trigger reactions from people who have specific allergies to pet dander. Pet allergies are very small and lightweight so they can be easily be spread by the wind or human and animal activities. They stay in the air for a long time, and can also settle on floors or furniture. They remain there longer than allergens from cockroaches or dust mites. You can is easily spread this through your home and bring it out to public places parks and schools. That is why animal dander can sometimes be found in homes or buildings that are not housing any pets.
6. You are suffering from adult-onset seasonal allergies
Allergies can develop during adulthood. Adult-onset allergies can occur out of nowhere due to exposure to new allergens in the environment, changes in the immune system, and family history. Common allergens include the following food: shrimp, shellfish, lobster, and other kinds of seafood, peanuts, and tree nuts (pecans, cashews, etc.) This type is called adult-onset allergy because it only developed later in life. It can start manifesting as early as in your 20’s or as late as your 80’s.
One of the best ways to keep you from sneezing is to avoid the things that trigger them. Start by making changes in your room to minimize triggers. You can clean your home or change your air filtering system. You can also vacuum carpets and house corners if you have pets at home. Also, check the damp areas and crevices for moulds that can spread spores and trigger sneezing. Moulds are a little tricky to remove so make sure you call a professional cleaner when you see them around your house. If the infestation is severe and you are allergic to moulds, you might want to consider moving to another location.
Sneezing is a natural body response to irritation inside the nose. You cannot control it and you probably should not. But if your sneezing is because of allergies, get in touch with your doctor right away so that you can be given treatment before the allergic reactions worsen. You can contact an online doctor Toronto for this. Online doctors can diagnose and give you the proper treatment. Plus, these virtual physicians can also prescribe medications like antihistamines to relieve your symptoms and resolve your sneezing spree.
When you sneeze a lot, try not to freak out. This only means your body is protecting you. Observe any triggers and get advice from professionals if your condition worsens.