Sneezing is an incredibly common occurrence with many causes. The occasional sneeze is nothing to worry about. However, frequent sneezing, especially when accompanied by other symptoms, may indicate certain health conditions.
How Often Does the Average Person Sneeze?
A comparative study had 80 hospital employees and medical students who were not currently sick or dealing with allergies record how many times they sneezed and blew their noses over the course of 14 days. The results showed that more than 95% of those surveyed sneezed and blew their nose less than 4 times a day, on average. The study concluded that a higher number may be a sign of rhinitis, which is an inflammation and swelling in the nose.
Common Reasons You Sneeze
Sneezing is a mechanism to help keep you healthy. You sneeze because an irritant, such as dirt, debris or bacteria, enters your nose and irritates the mucous membranes, which triggers a sneeze. Several of the most common causes of sneezing include:
- Allergies: If you have allergies, your body mistakes a harmless substance, such as pollen or pet dander, as a threat. Your body sneezes as a way of trying to rid itself of these triggers.
- Infections: Viruses like the cold, flu, and Covid-19 often trigger sneezing, in addition to other symptoms like a cough, sore throat and nasal congestion.
- Dry air: If your nasal passages dry out, your mucous membranes are more likely to become irritated, which leads to sneezing.
- Inhaling irritants: This can include accidentally inhaling dust or peppers while chopping or cooking with them.
Less common causes include trauma to the nose, breathing cold air, and for some people, sudden exposure to bright light or looking into the sun.
How To Stop Sneezing
While not a serious health problem, frequent sneezing can be unpleasant and cause you to feel unwell. To treat your sneezing, you need to know what is causing it in the first place. While seeing a medical professional is the only way to assure an accurate diagnosis, there are some clues as to whether your sneezing may be related to a virus or allergies.
For example, if you notice that you tend to sneeze when walking through Lindenwood Nature Preserve, it’s more likely that allergies are causing your symptoms. Similarly, if you have a fever or body aches accompanying your sneezing, that’s usually a sign your body is fighting off an infection.
To figure out the cause of your sneezing and find the right treatment, call Ear, Nose & Throat Associates today to make an appointment.