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: Allergen Allergic rhinitis Allergy to mold, dander, dust Allergy and asthma resources Common cold Vasomotor rhinitis 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 Allergy to pollen, mold, dander, dust (hay fever) Corticosteroid inhalation (from certain nose sprays) Drug withdrawal Nasal irritants such as dust and powders Virus infections (common cold, upper respiratory tract infections, the flu) Home Care Avoiding exposure to the offending allergen is the best way to control sneezing caused by allergies. Tips to reduce your exposure: Change furnace filters Remove pets from the home to eliminate animal dander Travel to areas with low pollen counts Use air filtration devices to reduce pollen in the air Wash linens in hot water (at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit) to temporarily kill dust mites In some cases, moving out of a home with a mold spore problem may be necessary. Sneezing not due to an allergy 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 perform a physical exam and examine your the upper respiratory tract. You will be asked questions about your medical history and symptoms such as: 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? Do you have any new pets? What have you done to try to relieve the sneezing? Continue reading this article

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Allergic rhinitis (5 Videos, 3 Images) Average Rating: (Doctor-Reviewed information)
Allergic rhinitis is a collection of symptoms, mostly in the nose and eyes, which occur when you breathe in something you are allergic to, such as dust, dander, or pollen. When these symptoms are caused by plant pollen, the allergic rhinitis is commonly called hay fever. See also: Allergies; Allergy to mold, dander, dust; Asthma. Reviewer: Stuart I. Henochowicz, MD, FACP, Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine, Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology, Georgetown University Medical School. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. Date: 01/09/2009
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Allergy to mold - animal dander - dust (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: Stuart I. Henochowicz, MD, FACP, Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine, Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology, Georgetown University Medical School. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. Date: 01/07/2009
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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: Jacob L. Heller, MD, Emergency Medicine, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, Washington, Clinic. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. Date: 04/20/2009
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Vasomotor rhinitis (1 Image) (Doctor-Reviewed information)
Vasomotor rhinitis is a nonallergic condition that causes a constant runny nose, sneezing, and nasal congestion. See also: Rhinitis Reviewer: Stuart I. Henochowicz, MD, FACP, Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine, Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology, Georgetown University Medical School. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. Date: 01/05/2009
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