Find out what triggers make you sneeze and how it happens

Sneezing is a protective mechanism and actually serves to decongest and clear our nasal passages, getting rid of allergens and microscopic viruses. However, it is common that sometimes our body reacts with a sneeze in unusual circumstances. Knowing this, in this article we will explain what causes sneezing and what happens at that moment. See more!

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What causes sneezing?

There are many reasons that lead us to sneeze, however, in general, when we feel a tickle in our nose, there is a foreign body trying to enter our sinuses. Check out the most common causes, according to the National Library of Medicine of the United States, for sneezing:

• Environmental irritants such as smoke, perfumes and air pollution;
• Allergies, caused by animal dander, pollen or dust mites;
• Infections, such as the common cold, Covid-19, and the flu;
• Dry air, which irritates the mucous membranes of the nose;
• Peppers, including black and chili peppers, as they contain a substance called piperine, which irritates the nasal passages (and is also what gives peppers their pungent flavor).

In addition to these listed triggers, which are the most common, there are also the most peculiar ones. For example, people who sneeze when suddenly exposed to very bright light or when looking directly into the sun. This reflex, which is called photic sneeze, is a reaction that we still don't have much knowledge about, however, most research indicates that it is something partially genetic.

What happens?

Sneezing happens when something unusual and irritating gets into your nose. Thus, the invader stays in the nose stimulating our nerve endings, which send alert messages to our brain. When this occurs, there is a physical response that causes us to sneeze. However, sneezes are different for each person, as each person has a different lung capacity, in addition to the structure of the nose, throat and mouth that are unique.

Plus, as tempting as it might be to hold back a sneeze, experts say it's not good for your health. After all, sneezes end up generating a strong pressure that, if not released, can break the eardrums or even the blood vessels of the eyes and brain. Finally, there is the fact that bacteria, viruses and other irritants that have not been eliminated can be redirected to the ear, causing an infection.