What is Sneezing and What causes it?
A sneeze is a characteristic sound produced by deep inhalation (taking in of air) followed by a massive and uncontrollable exhalation of air through the nose.
It is a common symptom in many diseases of the nose.
What causes Sneezing?
Though more commonly sneeze is caused due to problem in the nose, other systemic diseases and drugs can also cause them.
The following conditions cause sneezing:
These are the diseases of the nose that can lead to sneezing. The most common are –
Ø Acute Rhinitis or Coryza (Infection of the nasal cavity mostly by virus)
Ø Hay fever (Allergic response to dust or pollens. Causes sneeze immediately on expose to allergen. More common in the summer season.)
Ø Nasal Polyp. (This is an outgrowth of the nasal covering or mucosa inside the nasal cavity. It usually arises from the paranasal sinuses.)
Ø Deviated Nasal Septum
Ø Foreign body impaction.
Ø Dust or irritating gases or substances.
Ø Influenza or Flu: It is an infection caused by a virus. Swine Flu and Avian flu are specific types of influenza that have become more famous.
Ø Measles
Ø Whooping cough
Ø Salicylates like Aspirin
Ø Opium
Ø Iodine and iodides.
Ø Neurosis
Ø Hysteria
Ø Psychoneurosis
Although sneezing as such is mostly harmless, continuous and chronic sneezing can be problematic and needs to be treated appropriately. Sometimes excessive sneeze also causes pain in the stomach or abdomen.
To know the exact cause of sneezing in your case, you can always ask a doctor about sneezing at Ask a Doctor.
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