Sneeze-Free Living: 8 Tips to Stop Sneezing in Its Tracks

Sneezing is our body’s way of getting rid of irritants or foreign particles from our nose. When something like dust, pollen, or viruses enters our nose, it activates special sensors there.

 

These sensors send a signal to the brainstem through the trigeminal nerve. The brainstem is like the control center in our brain, and it quickly responds by telling specific muscles to work together. These muscles include the diaphragm, chest, throat, and the ones around our eyes.

 

When all these muscles work together, we suddenly and forcefully expel air through our nose and mouth. This helps to clear out the irritants and protect our respiratory system.

 

Sometimes, we might want to stop sneezing, especially if we’re in a situation where it’s inconvenient to sneeze. Here are some tips to help with that:

 

1. Avoid Triggers

Try to identify and avoid things that make you sneeze, such as pollen, dust, pet dander, or smoke.

 

2. Rinse Your Nose

Using a saline solution or neti pot to rinse your nasal passages can help remove irritants and reduce sneezing.

 

3. Stay Indoors

When there’s a lot of pollen or poor air quality outside, staying indoors can reduce your exposure to triggers.

 

4. Use Air Purifiers

Having an air purifier in your living space can filter out airborne particles and reduce sneezing triggers.

 

5. Take Antihistamines

Over-the-counter antihistamine medications can block the chemicals that cause allergic reactions and sneezing.

 

6. Try Nasal Sprays

Corticosteroid nasal sprays can reduce inflammation in your nose and help stop sneezing caused by allergies.

 

7. Allergy Shots

In severe allergy cases, allergen immunotherapy (allergy shots) can help make you less sensitive to specific allergens over time.

 

8. Cover Your Mouth and Nose

If you can’t stop a sneeze, use a tissue, handkerchief, or your elbow to cover your mouth and nose. This prevents the spread of droplets and germs.

 

Remember, sneezing is a natural defense mechanism that protects our respiratory system. However, if sneezing persists or is accompanied by other symptoms like fever, difficulty breathing, or a runny nose, it’s a good idea to talk to a healthcare professional to make sure everything is okay.