The cause of frequent sneezing, even though it's not the flu

An itchy, runny nose and sneezing constantly are usually a sign that you have the flu. However, why do you still sneeze frequently even though your body is fit? As it turns out, there are various health conditions besides the flu that are characterized by constant cleanliness. What are the causes of continuous sneezing, even though you feel fine? Follow the full explanation in this article.

What causes sneezing?

Sneezing is a form of body defense against foreign objects that enter the nose and respiratory system. Apart from oxygen, the surrounding air also contains foreign particles, such as dust, pollution, allergens, and bacteria and viruses.

The nose functions as a traffic controller, where the tiny hairs in it filter all kinds of foreign objects and trap them with mucus.

After that, these fine hairs will send signals to the brain to trigger an itching sensation. Then, there is a sneezing reaction to remove the foreign object and clean yourself.

Sneezing can also occur due to the immune system responding to other substances that are ingested through the mouth.

The cause of frequent sneezing, even though it's not the flu

From the explanation above, it can be seen that in fact the cause of sneezing is not always related to the flu.

There could be other health conditions that underlie the appearance of sneezing, from allergies to exposure to certain substances, such as food.

Here is a complete explanation of the causes of frequent sneezing, apart from the flu:

1. Allergic reactions

If you don't have the flu but sneezing a lot recently, it may be due to an allergic reaction. Allergy triggers that most often cause sneezing are animal dander, food allergies (nuts, shellfish, fish, eggs, milk), to dust and mite allergies.

Sneezing caused by allergies is called allergic rhinitis. This condition occurs when the body's immune system reacts to exposure to certain substances — which are actually harmless — but the body perceives it as a threat.

As a result, the nose will swell and produce mucus or mucus excessively in reaction. Not only frequent sneezing, allergic reactions are also usually followed by other symptoms such as a runny nose, nasal congestion, and an itchy nose.

2. A drastic change in temperature

A drastic change in temperature can also be the reason you keep sneezing. When you get out of an air-conditioned place into a warmer room, less than a meter away you may be sneezing constantly.

This happens because the nose is still adapting to the air in the new environment. The nose basically works to humidify the dry air that we breathe all day long in an air-conditioned room for the sake of the lungs and throat. These two organs are not able to accept dry air properly.

As soon as you move to a more humid place, such as outdoors, sneezing will appear as an attempt to adjust your nose to the new temperature so that the throat and lungs are kept moist. Usually the sneezing will go away after a minute or two later.

3. Inhaling cigarette smoke

Smoking is not only bad for the lungs, but also other organs, such as the nose. Being around secondhand smoke can also make you sneeze a lot.

Cigarette smoke contains thousands of chemicals that can irritate the nose, eyes, and even lungs. Not just sneezing, some people who are sensitive to cigarette smoke usually start coughing.

According to the Massachusetts Eye and Ear website, chemicals in cigarettes, such as hydrogen cyanide and ammonia, run the risk of damaging the fine hairs in the nose. If the fine hairs are not functioning properly, there will be a buildup of mucus in the nasal passages. As a result, you can sneeze constantly.

4. Smell spices or food

Sneezing often occurs when you smell herbs or when you unpack spices, especially pepper. Pepper can be the reason you keep sneezing if the powder is inhaled by your nose.

This is because pepper contains a substance called piperine. This piperine has the potential to become an irritant when it enters the nose. Its irritating nature makes the nerves in the mucous membrane of the nose react to piperine.

Well, one of the reactions that will occur is sneezing. This reaction is similar to what occurs during an allergy, where the nose tries to "expel" the irritant that enters by sneezing.

Tips to prevent frequent sneezing

In addition to maintaining a healthy body so you don't catch the flu, the following tips can also help you to prevent sneezing when you don't have the flu:

• Keeping the house clean from dust and mites. Be diligent in cleaning the house, either with a vacuum cleaner or using a damp cloth. Don't forget to use a mask when cleaning the house. Reducing the use of carpets can also reduce mites from breeding in your home.
• If you are allergic to animal hair, you should avoid keeping pets with fur. You can switch to raising aquatic animals, such as fish or turtles.
• Use a mask when traveling outside. Masks will keep you from vehicle fumes and cigarette smoke. If you are around smokers, the best step is to stay away from that environment.
• If sneezing from spices, be sure to unpack the food or spices with scissors and keep your face apart when opening them. For food allergies, you will know what foods you are allergic to after checking with your doctor. The doctor will advise you so that you can manage allergies and sneezing.