How to stop having the urge to sneeze?

The average person sneezes between 400 and 900 times a year, often triggered by irritants entering the nasal passages. Knowing how to stop having the urge to sneeze can provide a welcome sense of control in awkward or inopportune moments, from subtle tricks to long-term preventative measures.

Quick Summary

Use immediate physical pressure techniques, such as pinching the nose or pressing on the roof of the mouth with your tongue, to interrupt the nerve signals causing the sneeze reflex. For long-term control, focus on identifying and avoiding common triggers like allergens, bright lights, or strong scents that may be causing frequent urges.

Key Points

• Immediate Relief: Pressing your upper lip or pinching your nose can often stop a sneeze in its tracks by interrupting nerve signals.

• Identify Triggers: Chronic sneezing often stems from allergies, irritants, or bright lights; identifying the cause is crucial for prevention.

• Preventative Measures: Long-term relief includes controlling allergens with air purifiers and cleaning, and using saline rinses to clear nasal passages.

• Don't Hold It In: Forcibly suppressing a sneeze is risky and can lead to injury; it is safer to let it out while covering your mouth and nose.

• Medical Consultation: If home remedies and trigger management fail, seek professional medical advice to rule out underlying conditions or receive prescription treatment.

Immediate Techniques for a Sneezing Urge

When you feel that familiar tickle in your nose, a few quick actions can often halt the process before it fully manifests. These methods work by distracting or disrupting the nerve signals that initiate the sneeze reflex.

The Upper Lip Press

One of the most effective and discreet methods is to press firmly on your upper lip just below your nostrils. Use your index finger and press inward and upward. The nerve endings here can be stimulated, providing a diversion that sometimes overrides the sneeze signal. This technique can be especially useful in social situations where a full-blown sneeze would be disruptive.

Pinch the Bridge of Your Nose

Similar to how you might pinch your nose to block a bad smell, this can also stop a sneeze. Pinch the softer part of your nose just above the nostrils with your thumb and index finger. Apply a firm, consistent pressure for about 10-15 seconds. This action can block the nerve pathway that sends the "sneeze" signal to your brain.

Tickle the Roof of Your Mouth

This unusual but effective trick can halt a sneeze in its tracks. As soon as you feel the pre-sneeze sensation, use your tongue to press firmly and tickle the roof of your mouth. Rub your tongue back and forth for several seconds until the urge subsides. The stimulation can interfere with the sneeze reflex long enough for it to dissipate.

Say a Word or Phrase

Some people find that simply saying a strange word or phrase right as they feel the urge can provide enough mental distraction to prevent a sneeze. While anecdotal, this technique, like shouting "pickles" or counting backward, might divert your mental focus and interrupt the involuntary reflex.

How to Stop a Sneeze: Immediate vs. Long-Term Solutions

Method	Type of Relief	Speed of Action	Best For	Considerations
Upper Lip Press	Immediate	Instantaneous	Social settings, meetings	Discreet and quick
Allergy Medication	Long-Term	Varies (Daily Use)	Persistent allergies	Consult a doctor for best fit
Pinching Nose	Immediate	Instantaneous	Quick distraction	More noticeable than other methods
Identifying Triggers	Long-Term	Proactive	Recurring issues	Requires observation and planning
Nasal Irrigation	Long-Term	Gradual	Chronic sinusitis, allergies	Regular practice for best results
Steam Inhalation	Immediate/Short-Term	5-10 Minutes	Congestion-related sneezing	Helps loosen mucus but may not be immediate

Identifying and Managing Long-Term Sneezing Triggers

For those who experience frequent sneezing fits, the best long-term solution is to identify and address the root cause. This requires a bit of detective work and consistency.

Common Allergen Triggers

Many people sneeze in response to allergens such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and mold spores. Here’s how to minimize exposure:

• Keep windows closed during high pollen seasons.
• Use air purifiers with HEPA filters to reduce airborne particles.
• Wash bedding and curtains frequently in hot water to eliminate dust mites.
• Vacuum regularly and use a damp cloth for dusting to capture allergens instead of just moving them around.

Environmental and Occupational Irritants

Strong scents and pollutants can also be significant triggers. Exposure to irritants like smoke, chemical fumes, perfumes, and even strong spices can set off a sneezing fit. If your job involves exposure to such particles (e.g., sawdust, chemical dust), always wear a protective mask to prevent inhalation.

The Photic Sneeze Reflex

Known as ACHOO Syndrome (Autosomal Dominant Compelling Helio-Ophthalmic Outburst), this is a benign condition where a sudden exposure to bright light causes a person to sneeze. This is an inherited trait that affects a significant portion of the population. If you are prone to this, wearing polarized sunglasses can help manage the reflex when moving from a darker area to a brighter one.

When Prevention Is Not Enough: Natural and OTC Remedies

If trigger avoidance isn't providing enough relief, a combination of at-home and over-the-counter treatments can help reduce the frequency and severity of sneezing.

1. Nasal Irrigation: Using a saline solution via a neti pot or nasal rinse bottle can flush irritants and mucus from your nasal passages. Always use distilled or boiled and cooled water for safety.
2. Antihistamines: Over-the-counter antihistamines like cetirizine (Zyrtec) or loratadine (Claritin) can be very effective for allergy-related sneezing. Consider starting medication a week or two before your allergy season begins.
3. Steroid Nasal Sprays: Glucocorticosteroid nasal sprays like fluticasone (Flonase) reduce inflammation in the nasal passages, addressing a root cause of chronic sneezing.
4. Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water and warm fluids can help thin mucus, making it easier to expel and reducing irritation.
5. Use a Humidifier: If dry air is a trigger, especially during winter or in arid climates, a humidifier can add moisture to the air and soothe irritated nasal membranes.

The Risks of Holding a Sneeze In

While knowing how to stop having the urge to sneeze with discrete methods is useful, forcibly holding a sneeze in is not recommended. Sneezing builds up significant pressure that is meant to be released. According to experts, blocking this pressure can cause potential harm. A suppressed sneeze can lead to a ruptured eardrum, a vocal cord injury, or in very rare cases, damage a blood vessel in the head. It's safer to cover your mouth and nose loosely with a tissue or your elbow to prevent the spread of germs while still allowing the pressure to release safely.

For more information on the dangers of suppressing sneezes, see this overview from Banner Health: Don't Stifle Your Sneeze.

Conclusion: Finding the Right Approach for You

Whether you need an immediate, discreet solution or are seeking long-term relief from chronic sneezing, understanding your body's reflex is key. Simple tricks like pressing your upper lip or pinching your nose can interrupt a sneeze in the moment. However, for recurring issues, identifying and managing your triggers—be they allergies, environmental irritants, or even bright lights—will provide the most lasting results. Remember, always prioritize your health by allowing a sneeze to escape naturally rather than holding it in and potentially causing harm. If persistent sneezing continues to disrupt your daily life, it may be time to consult a healthcare professional to identify and treat the underlying cause.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to hold in a sneeze?

No, it is not safe. The pressure built up during a sneeze is meant to be released. Holding it in can cause injury to your eardrums, sinuses, or throat. It is always better to let the sneeze out safely by covering your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow.

What causes the urge to sneeze?

The urge to sneeze is typically caused by irritants entering your nasal passages, such as dust, pollen, or pet dander. Other triggers include strong smells, bright lights (photic sneeze reflex), and cold air.

How can allergies cause me to sneeze frequently?

Allergies cause the immune system to overreact to harmless substances like pollen or dust. This triggers the release of histamine, which leads to inflammation in the nasal lining and a strong urge to sneeze as your body tries to expel the allergen.

Can certain foods cause sneezing?

Yes, some people experience a condition called gustatory rhinitis, where eating spicy or heavily flavored foods stimulates nerve endings in the nose, leading to a runny nose and sneezing.

Do over-the-counter medications help with sneezing?

Yes, over-the-counter antihistamines and steroid nasal sprays can be very effective, especially for allergy-related sneezing. They help reduce the body's allergic response and inflammation in the nasal passages.

What is the photic sneeze reflex?

The photic sneeze reflex is an inherited condition that causes some people to sneeze when exposed to sudden bright light. It's an involuntary response and can often be managed by wearing sunglasses.

When should I see a doctor about sneezing?

You should see a doctor if your sneezing is persistent, severe, or accompanied by other symptoms like a fever, sinus pain, or difficulty breathing. A doctor can help diagnose the cause and recommend appropriate treatment.