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Sneezing is a reflexive action that is triggered when something irritates the lining of your nose. It is your body’s way of trying to remove the irritant and clear your nasal passages. Although sneezing is generally not a cause for concern, there are some situations where you may want to suppress the urge to sneeze.
For example, if you are in a dusty area or near someone who is sick, you may want to avoid sneezing to prevent inhaling harmful particles. There are also certain medical conditions that can cause excessive sneezing (e.g., allergies, and viral infections). In these cases, it is important to see a doctor to get treated.
There are a few things you can do to make yourself sneeze:
- Holding your breath and pinching your nose shut for about five seconds
- Sticking a foreign object (e.g., Q-tip) into your nostril
- Rubbing your nose vigorously
- Sniffing strong smells (e.g., peppermint extract, vinegar)
What causes sneezing?
Sneezing is your body’s way of getting rid of irritants in your nose, such as dust, pollen, or a cold virus. When you sneeze, the muscles in your chest and abdomen contract involuntarily. This forces a burst of air through your nose and mouth at up to 100 miles (161 kilometers) per hour [source: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases].
How to make yourself sneeze?
Sneezing is a reflexive response to an irritant in the nose. It is a way for the body to expel the irritant and clear the airway. There are many ways to make yourself sneeze, but most of them involve irritating the nose in some way.
One way to make yourself sneeze is to touch the roof of your mouth with your tongue. This will stimulate the nerves in your nose and cause you to sneeze. Another way to make yourself sneeze is to sniff strongly. This will also stimulate the nerves in your nose and cause you to sneeze. If you want to try something a little different, you can try holding one nostril closed and sniffing hard through the other nostril. This will also cause you to sneeze.
Why do we sneeze?
Sneezing is a reflex of the autonomic nervous system that helps to expel irritants from the nose and sinuses. It is usually preceded by the body’s attempt to clear the nostrils by producing excess mucus. Sneezing occurs when the mucus comes in contact with an irritant, such as dust, smoke, or pollen.
How to stop a sneeze?
When you feel a sneeze coming on, there are a few things you can do to try to stop it. These methods may not work for everyone, but they’re worth a try!
- Pinch your nose shut and hold it for about five minutes.
- Drink a glass of water and then tilt your head back and swallow.
- Eat a spoonful of sugar.
- Massage the roof of your mouth with your tongue.
When to see a doctor?
If you have any of the following symptoms, you should see a doctor:
- Difficulty breathing
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain or tightness
- A high fever
- A headache that does not go away
Home remedies for sneezing
There are a number of home remedies that can help you stop sneezing. Some of these include:
- Taking a hot shower
- Drinking hot tea
- Eating spicy food
- Applying a warm compress to your nose
- Inhaling steam from a bowl of hot water
Prevention
The best way to prevent sneezing is to avoid the triggers that cause it. If you know you are allergic to a particular substance, such as pollen or dust, try to stay away from it as much as possible. If you have a cold or the flu, take steps to prevent yourself from spreading the virus by washing your hands often and avoiding close contact with others.
