Ever walked outside on a sunny day, only to be ambushed by a sudden, unstoppable sneeze attack? You’re not alone, it’s called the “photic sneeze reflex,” and it’s as weird as it sounds. Imagine your nose throwing a party every time the sun shows up. But why does this happen? Is your body allergic to good weather, or is it just being dramatic? Spoiler: it’s not about pollen. This weird reflex afflicts far more people than you might have realized, and the science behind it is actually guaranteed to blow your mind, if not at least your nose. Keep reading for what’s really going on behind that sun-inspired sneeze.
Why does sunlight make you sneeze? The surprising truth behind ACHOO syndrome
Have you ever stepped outside on a sunny day and sneezed like your life depended on it? You might just have the “photic sneeze reflex,” better known by its hilarious scientific name: autosomal dominant compelling helio-ophthalmic outburst syndrome (ACHOO). Yes, ACHOO syndrome is a real thing.
Unlike ordinary sneezes from dust or germs, this weird reflex occurs when bright light, especially sunlight, interferes with your nervous system. According to scientists, it is caused by the optic nerve, which senses light, crossing signals with the trigeminal nerve, which controls sneezing. The outcome? Your body sneezes because it believes your nose needs clearing, though it doesn’t.
This funny condition affects up to 35% of people and often makes them sneeze multiple times in a row when exposed to bright light. So next time you sneeze at the sun, just blame it on your confused brain.
What causes the ACHOO syndrome?
The condition arises from a miscommunication within the nervous system, specifically the trigeminal nerve, which links the eyes, nose, and face. When bright light, such as sunlight or flash photography, enters the eyes and causes the pupils to constrict, a crossed signal mistakenly triggers a sneeze. This reflex is most pronounced when transitioning from a dim environment to a bright one, like emerging from a tunnel or stepping onto a sunny patio.
ACHOO syndrome is a dominant genetic trait, so if one parent has it, there’s a 50% chance of inheriting it. Studies suggest it may be more common in white people, especially women or those assigned female at birth. While mostly harmless, the frequency and intensity of solar sneezes vary greatly from person to person.
Is there any way to treat the ACHOO syndrome?
Although no precise treatment exists for ACHOO syndrome, some simple techniques can be used to minimize its effects. Experts suggest the following:
- Shield your eyes: Wearing dark sunglasses or wide-brimmed hats can help reduce the sudden effect of bright sunlight on your eyes.
- Manage allergies: If hay fever or nasal congestion is a problem, treating these conditions may lower your sensitivity to sneezing triggers.
- Apply pressure below the nose: Press, gently, the area between your upper lip and nose, known as the philtrum, whenever you feel a sneeze is approaching. In some individuals, this might break up the reflex.
Also, remind your ophthalmologists and ophthalmic surgeons of your ACHOO syndrome before any exam or surgery under bright lights. If you’re having surgery, make sure your anesthesiologist knows too, as sometimes it can cause altered responses to certain stimuli during surgery. In this way, you can avoid most of these weird but harmless reflexes.
Also Read: “Why Earth’s slowdown could be the reason for breathable air “
