8 ways to help stop sneezing

The solution to the problem depends on the cause of this reflex.

Sneezing is a reflex that occurs in response to irritation of the nasal mucosa. A sudden strong release of air from the lungs can be caused by various factors. Here they are:

• dust or other air pollution;
• bright light;
• cold or flu;
• some nasal sprays, such as corticosteroids;
• allergies to mold, pollen, dandruff;
• dry air;
• spicy food;
• powerful emotions;
• cessation of drug use.

To stop sneezing, you need to act differently depending on the cause.

1. Pinch your nose

If the desire to sneeze appears at the wrong moment, you can pinch your nose with your fingers from the sides for a few seconds or try to squeeze the bridge of your nose near your eyebrows.

2. Press the tongue to the teeth

HealthLine experts advise simply tickling the palate with the tip of the tongue if you want to sneeze. Or strongly press the tongue to the front teeth. After 5-10 seconds, everything should pass.

3. Blow your nose

Sometimes you want to sneeze because of a runny nose and accumulation of mucus in your nose. To get rid of it, it is enough to blow your nose.

4. Do not look at the light

Many people reflexively begin to sneeze due to exposure to bright light. Such a reaction may be associated with a non-dangerous genetic defect, when the excitability of the trigeminal nerve branch leading to the eyes is increased. One way or another, to stop sneezing, it is enough not to look at the sun and bright light bulbs.

5. Breathe clean air

If you are in a dusty room, breathe in smoke, or just smell a strong aroma, you can start to sneeze. To stop the reaction, you need to go to fresh air or ventilate the room.

6. Humidify the air

Especially in the dark season. To do this, you can use special devices or just hang wet towels.

7. Cure a cold

To do this, you need to drink more fluids, rest, take antipyretics if the temperature rises. And the nose can be washed with saline solutions or vasoconstrictor drops can be used.

8. Cure allergies

Because of it, the nose swells, tears come, the eyes turn red and you want to sneeze. Symptoms may appear in the spring, during flowering, or after contact with animal dander or other allergens. In any case, you need to be treated with antihistamines prescribed by a doctor.