Understanding the Neurological Trigger: What Is the Feeling Right Before You Sneeze?

September 21, 2025 •

4 min read

The average sneeze expels air at a speed of up to 100 miles per hour, yet the buildup is often a familiar sensation. This powerful bodily reflex is preceded by a distinct physiological chain of events, answering the question, what is the feeling right before you sneeze?

Quick Summary

Before a sneeze, most people experience a tingling sensation in the nasal passages, known as the sternutatory sensation. This tickle is the activation of the trigeminal nerve, which sends signals to the brain's 'sneeze center,' initiating the reflex to expel irritants forcefully.

Key Points

Sternutatory Sensation: The tickle or itch deep inside the nose that precedes a sneeze is called the sternutatory sensation.
Trigeminal Nerve Trigger: This sensation is caused by the irritation of nerve endings connected to the trigeminal nerve.
Brain's 'Sneeze Center': The trigeminal nerve sends a signal to the medulla, the brain's control center for the sneeze reflex.
Physiological Buildup: Pressure builds in the chest and lungs as the body prepares for the powerful expulsion of air.
Common Triggers: Triggers for this sensation include allergens, cold air, bright light (photic sneeze reflex), and strong odors.
Health Advice: Suppressing a sneeze is not recommended due to the risks associated with a sudden increase in internal pressure.

The Sensation: An Impending A-choo

Long before the explosive expulsion of air, the body provides a subtle, but unmistakable, warning sign. The feeling right before you sneeze is a complex and highly coordinated neurological event, often perceived as a specific type of tickle or itch deep inside the nasal cavity. This sensation is known as the 'sternutatory sensation' and serves as the brain's alert system, signaling that an irritant has been detected and is about to be forcefully removed. This prodrome, or premonitory symptom, is a common human experience, though its intensity and specific location can vary from person to person.

The Neurological Pathway of a Sneeze

The journey from an irritant to a full-blown sneeze is a rapid, involuntary reflex arc. It all begins when foreign particles—such as dust, pollen, or strong odors—touch the sensitive lining of the nose. These particles activate nerve endings within the mucosa, specifically those of the trigeminal nerve. The trigeminal nerve, a large cranial nerve responsible for sensation in the face, sends a signal to a region in the brainstem known as the medulla, or the 'sneeze center.'

Irritation Detection: Particles land on the nasal mucosa.
Nerve Activation: The trigeminal nerve endings are stimulated.
Signal Transmission: The nerve sends a message to the brainstem.
Medulla Command: The 'sneeze center' in the medulla receives the signal and coordinates the reflex.
Muscular Response: The brainstem sends commands to a host of muscles throughout the body.

This intricate process ensures that your body can quickly and efficiently respond to potential threats in the air, protecting your respiratory system from contamination.

Why the Sensation Varies

The intensity and nature of the pre-sneeze feeling can differ based on several factors. For some, it's a gentle tickle, while for others, it can be an overwhelming, irresistible buildup of pressure. Common triggers include:

Allergens: Pollen, pet dander, and dust mites are frequent culprits.
Environmental Irritants: Strong perfumes, smoke, and pollution can trigger the reflex.
Cold Air: Sudden changes in air temperature can irritate the nasal lining.
Bright Light: A phenomenon called the photic sneeze reflex, or ACHOO syndrome, causes sneezing in response to bright light. This is thought to be a crossing of signals between the trigeminal and optic nerves.
The Vagus Nerve: For some, a specific feeling in the ears can trigger a sneeze, as nerves from the ear and nose are closely connected.

The Physiological Buildup

As the signal travels from your nose to your brain and back down to your muscles, your body prepares for the sneeze itself. This preparation manifests as the distinct feeling of tension and pressure. The physiological steps involved include:

Your chest muscles tighten to compress your lungs.
You take a deep, involuntary breath to maximize the force of the expulsion.
The glottis (voice box opening) closes momentarily, further building pressure.
The diaphragm contracts, adding to the thoracic pressure.

This orchestrated buildup is why you often feel a deep, satisfying relief immediately after a sneeze. The release of pressure and the clearing of the irritant provide a cathartic sensation.

The Comparison: Holding Back vs. Letting It Go


Aspect	Suppressing a Sneeze	Allowing a Sneeze to Occur
Bodily Pressure	Rapid and significant internal pressure buildup.	Quick buildup and rapid release of pressure.
Potential Risks	Possible ear drum rupture, bursting blood vessels in the eyes or nose, or other injuries from redirected pressure.	Very low risk of injury; it's a natural, protective reflex.
Effectiveness	The irritant may remain in the nasal passages, delaying the inevitable or prolonging irritation.	Effectively expels foreign particles, clearing the nasal passages.
Sensation	Uncomfortable, sometimes painful, with a feeling of internal resistance.	Provides a sense of relief and satisfaction as the pressure is released.

Health experts generally advise against suppressing a sneeze due to the potential for injury from the sudden increase in internal pressure. As a natural defense mechanism, it's best to allow your body to complete the reflex when possible.

The Aftermath and Conclusion

After the sneeze, the nasal irritant is expelled, and the complex physiological process is complete. The tension and pressure subside, leaving behind a feeling of calm. The sensation right before you sneeze is the body's early warning system, a testament to the remarkable efficiency of our involuntary reflexes. The entire sequence, from the initial tickle to the final "achoo," highlights the delicate and complex neurological machinery that protects our health daily. For further information on the fascinating mechanics of the human body's reflexes, consult reputable sources such as the Mayo Clinic's website on sneezing.

Frequently Asked Questions

The medical term for sneezing is 'sternutation.' The pre-sneeze sensation is known as the 'sternutatory sensation,' and the photic sneeze reflex is also sometimes called 'ACHOO syndrome'.

While the sensation is often irresistible, some people can delay or suppress a sneeze by pinching the bridge of their nose, pressing a finger against their upper lip, or swallowing hard. However, it's generally advised to let the sneeze occur naturally to avoid potential harm from redirecting the pressure.

This phenomenon, known as the photic sneeze reflex, affects about one in four people. The leading theory is that the optic nerve, which constricts the pupils in bright light, is located very close to the trigeminal nerve. The rapid signal from the optic nerve can mistakenly trigger the sneeze reflex in the trigeminal nerve.

The tickle can sometimes be felt in the throat because the complex network of nerves involved in the sneeze reflex also includes those in the pharynx (throat). The muscular contractions and pressure buildup can also contribute to this sensation in the throat and chest.

No, the sensation varies among individuals. While most describe a tickling or pressure buildup in the nose, the intensity, specific location, and associated sensations (like in the throat or eyes) can differ based on the person's unique nervous system wiring and the specific trigger.

No, your heart does not stop. The rapid buildup and release of pressure during a sneeze can momentarily affect blood flow and change your heart's rhythm, making it feel like it skipped a beat. However, your heart continues to beat throughout the process.

Yes, if the pre-sneeze sensation occurs frequently, especially during certain seasons or when exposed to specific environments (like around pets or dust), it can be a primary indicator of allergies. The allergic reaction triggers the release of histamines that irritate the nasal passages, initiating the reflex.