Sneezing is either an annoying or relieving thing for most people. The process of sneezing can occur in many different ways. This irritation can cause misery in some people who simply wish their sneezing to stop. Preventative measures for sneezing is also a possibility for some people.

The Biological Process of a Sneeze

The actual medical term for a sneeze is known as a sternutation. Sternutations occur when there is reason for the body to clear debris or buildup of mucus from the nasal passages and internal nose hairs. When the microscopic particles are introduced into the nose, irritation of the sinus cavity occurs. The resulting sensation is itchy or uncomfortable which is processed into sternutations more often than not. The body tries to naturally clear the obstructions or particles that irritate the nasal cavity.

Turbinates are special bone structures in the nasal cavity that allow inhaled air to flow uniformly over cilia and climate controlling tissues. These can sometimes get covered with microscopic particles and increase the possibilities of sneezing to occur. The cilia are small hair like cells that are located in the nasal cavity and are designed to help collect particles so that they do not pass to the lungs. Cilia often collect with mucus and can increase the likelihood of a sneeze to occur.

Sneezes can travel at well over 100 miles per hour (160 kilometers). They can spray in a mist or come out as large pieces of mucosal buildup. They are more likely to simply eject whatever is in the nasal cavities at the time whether it is mucous or unnaturally placed inorganic materials such as dust.

Particle and Irritants Which Cause Sneezing

Various reasons exist in creating the sneeze sensation which leads to sneezing. These causes can be very irritating and may increase damaging conditions for many people. Other factors are unconventional causes of sneezes and are thought to be linked to evolutionary processes.

The various reasons for sneezing:

Allergies – Many people have allergies to various particles. These particles can range from simple pollen from plants out in the air, animal dander, dust and other irritating particles. Often times, the sneezes caused by allergies are accompanied by swelling of the eyelids, itchiness and constant sneezing while in the presence of the allergens in the air. This can also lead to hospitalization in extreme cases.


Bacteria – The introduction of live particles such as bacterium can cause sneezing. They can affix themselves in a location and begin to multiply. This causes excess mucus buildup over time and irritation will occur. The natural reaction of the body is to force the bacteria out of the nasal cavity with a sneeze.What Happens When You Sneeze


Viruses – Many of the common viruses that we come in contact with end up entering the body through the nasal cavity. These viruses are likely to end up in the nasal cavity and cause irritation. The irritation in the nasal cavity forces sneezing to occur as a safeguard against disease.


Mucus Buildup – Several people allow their mucus to collect in their noses. This can often build up on nose hairs which put extra weight and extra sensation or irritation which causes the sneeze reflex.

Sickness – Illnesses such as the common cold or bronchitis are often to blame for sneezing. They can put lots of irritation on the nasal cavity when people blow their noses. This can then cause sneezing later on.

Strong Smells – When the olfactory nerves are irritated by sudden strong scents or scent particles such as those of spices like pepper, onions or other foods can cause sneezing. This is different for everybody but is stereotypically assigned to the pepper spice as the culprit.

Sunlight – The sun may seem like a very unusual culprit to cause sneezing. In fact, a large portion of the population is sensitive to the sun. Looking at the sun can trigger sneezing because of the similar sensation it causes when the eyes automatically close from the bright light.

Temperature – Being too hot can cause nasal dryness which can easily cause sneezing. Being too cold can cause condensation of vapor on the nasal hairs which also causes sneezing to occur when they are stimulated.


Medical Conditions – Various medical conditions can trigger the sneeze reflex. When damage to the brain occurs in some individuals, the sneeze reflex can be triggered in several different manners even without physical need to sneeze.

Methods on How to Prevent a Sneeze

Preventing a sneeze may be a necessity under certain conditions so there are many ways to do so. The most beneficial option is to allow a sneeze to occur to allow the natural process of cleaning and relieving irritation when it is not caused by allergies or medical reasons.

The following are methods of preventing sneezes:

For Allergies – The allergies which cause sneezing can be controlled with medication. These are antihistamines which are designed to block the receptors which call upon the action for irritation to occur when certain particles stimulate the nasal cavities and lungs.  Staying out of areas which cause sneezing could also help prevent them without medication.


For General Sneezes – General sneezing can be stopped in many ways. The most common way to stop a sneeze is to disrupt the mind's ability to process the command to sneeze. This can be done by tricking it into focusing on something else or feeling another sensation in its place. This only works on the types of sneezes that you can feel way in advance before the sneeze actually occurs.

Preventative Care – Cleaning the nose can help prevent the need to sneeze. Carefully blow your nose to remove unnecessary mucous and particles in the nostrils. Using a neti pot can also help. These little pots are designed to hold a warm saline solution which is poured into the nostril at a certain angle to allow flow out the other nostril. This thoroughly cleans and helps to soften hard mucous in the nasal cavity. A clean nasal cavity is less likely to sneeze as often as an unclean one.