Sneezing is typically caused by nose or throat mucous membrane irritation. An occasional sneeze feels good, but sudden, forceful and repetitive bursts of air can become irksome.
Allergies and virus infections are the common causes for sneezing bouts. Typical nasal irritants causing a sneezing allergic reaction include:
Avoiding your allergen exposure is the best way to control these causes for sneezes.
Virus infections that may have you sneezing for what may feel like non-stop are:
Some other causes for sneezing:
- drug withdrawal
- vasomotor rhinitis
So what’s a “sneezer” to do in order to stop sneezing. One option is to take a OTC sneeze medication.
Topping the list of anti-sneezing medication is popping an antihistamine, which blocks your sneeze trigger. What’s important to know about this medication choice is that the active ingredients differ:
- diphenhydramine
- brompheniramine
- chlorpheniramine
Therefore, you need to try different brands to discover which one works best for you.
Another type of OTC medication in the realm of “sneeze reduction” is pseudoephedrine decongestant. This medicine’s action narrows your nasal blood vessels, which reduces swollen nasal tissue in hopes of stopping the cause for sneezing.
As for natural treatment, start by reducing your exposure to sneeze producing irritants. A couple of suggestions:
- take a trip/move to low pollen count areas
- keep your furnace filters changed regularly
- remove any mold in and around your residence
- eliminate animal dander from your environment
- use an air filtration device wherever you hang out
A couple of natural treatment ideas some have found success in halting their sneezing fits:
- saline nasal spray
- submerging your nose in water
Blowing your nose can also help remove irritants and irritating congestion.