Revealed: What causes us to sneeze

Sneezing (or sternutation) is our body’s natural response to the tickle that we feel in our nose. Foreign matter like dust, pollen or smoke can cause irritation in the nose which sends a message to our brain that the nose needs to clear itself out. Our body performs this cleansing act through sneezing. 

The air that enters into our lungs needs to be free of germs and bacteria. Our nose traps this dirt and bacteria in mucus, which then gets digested by the stomach, neutralizing any potentially harmful invaders. If the dirt and debris entering the nose and irritate the sensitive mucous membranes inside our nose and throat, it causes us to sneeze. 

Physiologically speaking, our eyes are closed shut, the tongue touches the roof of the mouth, and our muscles brace for a sneeze. It forces out water, mucus and air from our noses. 

Sneezing is also the nose’s natural way to ‘reset’. A 2012 study published in the FASEB Journal found that the cells that line the tissue inside the nose (cilia) get rebooted with sneezing which resets the entire nasal environment. Sneezing can commonly be triggered by an allergic reaction or a cold as well. 

Fun facts about sneezing  
Some people have a tendency to sneeze when they look at the bright sun. It’s a condition called photic sneeze reflex or solar sneeze reflex and it affects up to one-third of the global population. Here are some other interesting facts about this physiological phenomenon: 

• A single sneeze can travel up to 160 kilometres an hour 
• ‘Sneezing can stop your heart’ is a myth but the force of a sneeze can change the rhythm of your heartbeat. 
• Once a sneeze starts, you can’t stop it.
• It is impossible to sneeze while you are asleep. 
• Donna Griffiths of Worcestershire, England, is said to hold the record for the longest sneezing spree in the world. It is believed that she sneezed continuously from January 13, 1981 (when she was 12), until September 16, 1983, a total of 978 days! 
• Saying ‘God bless you’ when a person sneezes stems from the belief that when people sneeze their souls (which are said to reside in the head) sneak out of their body. But don’t worry, it’s only a myth!