In the summer, allergies are often to blame for sneezing, but you might be surprised how complex this bodily function can be. Sneezing plays an important part in clearing out irritants, but it can also show us interesting things about how our respiratory system works. Let’s discover the lesser-known facets of this common yet intricate reflex.
1. Sneezes: reset your sinuses
Sneezing is a reflex, but it’s also the reset button for your nose’s effective performance. Picture a computer lagging or freezing, sometimes, a total shutdown is required to regain optimum function. Likewise, a sneeze eradicates irritants, allowing the nasal passages to function like a freshly oiled machine once more.
2. Multiple sneezes: not always a sign of illness
People often presume that when somebody sneezes over and over again, they must be sick. However, numerous sneezes frequently indicate the body’s effort to thoroughly clear irritants from the nasal cavity. It’s more of a sinus reset than a sign of an infection or cold.
3. Sneezing and sleep: not that common
Sneezing is a reflexive impulse induced by various stimuli. Because your muscles and nerves are relaxed when you sleep, sneezing doesn’t happen that frequently when you’re sleeping. Daytime hours typically see more sneezing because nasal passages actively clear. In some rare situations, though, sneezing can be triggered by outside stimuli like pepper, even when you’re sleeping.
4. Debunking the myth: your heart doesn’t stop
It’s a popular myth that your heart stops when you sneeze. The experience of a missed heartbeat often felt during a sneeze is simply a short-term alteration in blood flow and pressure. Rest easy, your heart keeps beating steadily.
5. Sunlight’s sneeze induction: the photic reflex
Ever wonder why some people sneeze when exposed to sunlight? About one-fourth of the population, when exposed to bright light, will experience what’s known as a photic sneeze reflex. This phenomenon highlights the complex nature of sneeze triggers beyond allergens like pollen.
Successfully managing sneezing
While sneezing provides relief, it also creates a quick means of germ transmission. Whether symptomatic or not, it’s crucial to practice proper sneezing etiquette to minimize the spread of mucus, which can travel as far as five feet. Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze and keep your hands sanitized in order to decrease the spread of germs.
When to consult an ENT specialist for sneezing
Call us for a consultation if you have worries about your sinus health, allergies, or persistent sneezing.