When we sneeze, it’s our bodies’ way of getting rid of allergens, viruses and other irritants that enter our nose and throat. Sneezing is rarely a sign of any serious condition. However, depending on the cause, you may require additional treatment to eliminate your symptoms.
How Often Does the Average Person Sneeze?
A comparative study had 80 hospital employees and medical students who were not currently sick or dealing with allergies record how many times they sneezed and blew their noses over the course of 14 days. The results showed that more than 95% of those surveyed sneezed and blew their nose less than 4 times a day, on average. The study concluded that a higher number may be a sign of rhinitis, which is an inflammation and swelling in the nose.
Common Sneezing Triggers
We sneeze for a variety of different reasons, but a few of the most common sneezing causes include:
- Allergies to things like pollen, dust mites or pet dander
- Viruses like the cold or flu
- Environmental irritants like smoke or air pollution
- Trauma to the nose
- Using nasal sprays
- Exposure to cold air
Treating the Causes of Sneezing
Some causes of sneezing don’t require any additional treatment, but others, like allergies and certain viruses, may need to be addressed with at-home remedies or a visit to the doctor.
If you believe that allergies are causing your sneezing, try to eliminate or minimize your exposure to your triggers. This may include:
- Keeping the windows of your house and car closed
- Avoiding outdoor areas like Harbison State Forest when pollen counts are high
- Using a dehumidifier in the house to prevent mold from growing
- Regularly vacuuming the carpet and furniture
- Not allowing pets in your bedroom
Allergies may also require the use of over-the-counter or prescription-strength medicines like antihistamines. In some cases, your allergist may recommend immunotherapy, administered as allergy shots or drops. This is a type of treatment that helps build a tolerance to a certain allergen by introducing it to the body in small amounts over a course of time.
If your sneezing is due to a virus like the cold or flu, you often just need to give your body time to rest and recover while making sure to drink lots of fluids. In certain cases, your doctor may prescribe antiviral medication to speed up your recovery process and lessen the severity of your symptoms.
If would like help managing your frequent sneezing, contact Palmetto ENT & Allergy today to schedule an appointment with one of our experts.