Maybe your sneeze comes across as a dainty barely-there “ah-choo!” or maybe you sound like a stampede of angry elephants. Whatever your style, just know that everybody sneezes.
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MSN reports that from babies to the elderly to our beloved pets, our bodies are programmed to produce these involuntary reactions when our nostrils detect an irritant.
Sneezing is simply an involuntary release of air that helps your body get rid of irritants in your nose and throat, like allergens, dirt and dust, according to the report. Usually, a sneeze starts with a tickle in the back of your nose and you know within seconds you’ll be sneezing, likely more than once.
Nearly one-quarter of the population is genetically prone to photic sneezing, or sneezing after initial exposure to bright light, and it’s thought to be the result of triggering the trigeminal nerve.
Sneezing myths include stories that your heart stops or your eyes may pop out when sneezing. You may have even tried to keep your eyes open during a sneeze, and discovered that it’s impossible. Your blood pressure in the eye may increase slightly during a sneeze, but it is not nearly enough to cause your eyeball to pop out of your head.
However, it’s important you don’t stop a sneeze as it can lead to a tear in your esophagus, ruptured eardrums or a brain aneurysm. Yikes! From a sneeze? Sorry, that’s no myth — it’s true. So, even if you’re at the altar about to say “I do,” and feel a sneeze coming on, say “Ah-choo” first.
It’s not true that your heart stops during a sneeze, although it may feel like it because your chest contracts and your blood flow may be constricted, changing the rhythm of your heartbeat. But, relax — your heart continues to beat throughout the process.
Here’s a convoluted mouthful of sneeze philosophy that you can use to impress your friends: autosomal dominant compelling helio-ophthalmic outburst syndrome (ACHOOs), aka photic sneezing syndrome, which happens when sudden bright light causes you to sneeze.
Individuals with photic sneezing tend to have above-average intelligence. It’s also genetic; if one parent has the syndrome, half of his or her children will too.
If you have a cat or dog, chances are you’ve seen them sneeze from time to time, or even have a runny nose once in a while.
Pets sneeze for the same reasons we do and if the symptoms are mild and disappear quickly, there’s usually no cause for concern. However, if your pet’s sneezing or nasal discharge comes on suddenly, seems unusually severe, or keeps coming back, it’s time for a visit to the veterinarian.
Cats and dogs may have allergies, just like humans, and their sneezing may happen more during allergy season.
Beyond sneezing and discharge, other signs of nasal or sinus disease in kitties include rubbing or pawing at the face, excessive swallowing, gagging, bleeding from the nose, a foul smell from the mouth or nose, swelling over the bridge of the nose, loud breathing, lethargy and lack of appetite. Any of these symptoms that seem severe, recur frequently, or have become chronic require a trip to the vet, since your kitty could have a condition requiring treatment.
If your pet is diagnosed with an upper respiratory infection caused by a virus, which is a common cause of sneezing and nasal discharge, it typically runs its course in a matter of weeks. During this time, make sure that your cat is properly eating and drinking and be generous with some extra kitty love.