Symptom Search   |   Treatment Search   |   Doctor Search   |   Drug Search
Explore HealthMaps Common Cold Nasal Allergies Rhinitis
Symptom Search
Find possible causes of:
Sneezing
Search
Related Health Channels Allergies Otorhinolaryngologists
Advertisement

Sneezing Health Channel

Feature Article

Illustrations for this article

Click on an image below to enlarge

Throat anatomy

Sneezing

Definition

A sneeze is a sudden, forceful, involuntary burst of air through the nose and mouth.

See also:

Alternative Names

Sternutation

Considerations

Sneezing is caused by irritation to the mucous membranes of the nose or throat. It can be very bothersome, but is generally not a sign of a serious problem.

Common Causes

Home Care

Avoiding exposure to the offending allergen is the best way to control sneezing caused by allergic diseases.

Tips to reduce your exposure: 

  • Remove pets from the home to eliminate animal dander
  • Change furnace filters
  • Use air filtration devices to reduce pollen in the air
  • Travel to areas with low pollen counts

In some cases, moving out of a residence with a mold spore problem may be necessary.

For sneezing not caused by an allergy, the problem will disappear when the underlying disorder is cured or treated.

Call your health care provider if

Call your provider if sneezing adversely affects your life and home remedies do not work.

What to expect at your health care provider's office

Your medical provider will obtain a medical history. You may be asked:

  • During what time of year is sneezing the worst?
  • When did the sneezing begin?
  • How long do sneezing episodes last?
  • Do you have a history of allergies?
  • Have you been outdoors more than usual?
  • What have you done to try to relieve the sneezing?
  • How well has it worked?

Continue reading this article

More Articles

Allergic rhinitis (6 Videos, 3 Images) Average Rating: (Doctor-Reviewed information)
Allergic rhinitis is a collection of symptoms, predominantly in the nose and eyes, caused by airborne particles of dust, dander, or plant pollens in people who are allergic to these substances. When these symptoms are caused by pollen, the allergic rhinitis is commonly called hay fever. See also: Allergies; Allergy to mold, dander, dust; Asthma. Reviewer: Donald Accetta, MD, MPH, President, Allergy & Asthma Care, PC, Taunton, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.Date: 10/30/2006
Email  |  Save

Allergy to mold - dander - dust (1 Video, 4 Images) (Doctor-Reviewed information)
Allergy-related symptoms can occur after you are around mold, certain animals or animal hair, dust, and other substances. These substances are usually found indoors and do not cause symptoms for most people. See also: Asthma; Allergic rhinitis. Reviewer: Donald Accetta, MD, MPH, President, Allergy & Asthma Care, PC, Taunton, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.Date: 10/30/2006
Email  |  Save

Opiate withdrawal (Doctor-Reviewed information)
Opiate withdrawal refers to the wide range of symptoms that occur after stopping or dramatically reducing opiate drugs after heavy and prolonged use (several weeks or more. Opiate drugs include heroin, morphine, codeine, Oxycontin, Dilaudid, methadone, and others. Reviewer: Eric Perez, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.Date: 01/22/2008
Email  |  Save

Vasomotor rhinitis (1 Image) (Doctor-Reviewed information)
Vasomotor rhinitis is a non-allergic condition that causes a constant runny nose, sneezing, and nasal congestion. See also: Rhinitis Reviewer: James L. Demetroulakos, M.D., F.A.C.S., Department of Otolaryngology, North Shore Medical Center, Salem, MA. Clinical Instructor in Otology and Laryngology, Harvard Medical School. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.Date: 07/25/2007
Email  |  Save

Use Healthline to search the web for more Sneezing information.

Health Videos

Why the Flu is Not Just a Bad Cold
The flu is not a just a bad cold. It's a serious illness that causes 200,000 hospitalizations and 36,000 deaths a year. So it's important to recognize flu ...
Email  | Save

Play Videoplay video

The Flu - An Ounce of Prevention Equals a Pound of Cure
Getting a flu vaccine is the best way to protect yourself from influenza.
Email  | Save

Play Videoplay video

Seasonal and Chronic Allergies
For some people, allergy season can last all year long. Listen in as experts describe the differences between seasonal and chronic allergies.
Email  | Save

Play Videoplay video read transcript

Is it a Cold or an Allergy?
Immunotherapy or allergy shots, is one of the most effective treatments available to allergy sufferers. Learn how allergy shots work, and who should and sh...
Email  | Save

Play Videoplay video read transcript

Springtime Allergies
Most people look forward to spring, but not those with springtime allergies. Often they can feel foggy, fuzzy and fatigued. Still, there are many ways to h...
Email  | Save

Play Videoplay video read transcript

Kids and Allergies
Is your child constantly sniffling? It might not be a cold, but it could be allergies. And allergies can be tough to live with. Find out how to help your c...
Email  | Save

Play Videoplay video read transcript

Current News

Treatment with oral medications
C-Health | 2 days ago
Oral medications for allergic rhinitis include antihistamines and decongestants.

Ia m at the Combination Pizza Hut and Taco Bell
Willamette Week | 5 days ago
Jared Mees: I'm at the Combination Pizza Hut and Taco Bell June 30th, 2009 [11:37AM Posted by: Jared Mees 0 COMMENTS "I'm at the pizza hut, I'm at the taco bell.

Which Is It?
Seattle Post-Intelligencer | 5 days ago
COLD, FLU, OR ALLERGIES? It may be a cold if... your child is up and about, even if she has a runny nose, congestion, sneezing, a sore throat, and a cough.

Show all News

Create News Alert