Table of contents:
What response do you show when you see a bright light? Most of your people squint or try to cover their eyes with their hands. However, in some cases, some were sneezing. How come? Come on, find out why when you see a bright light someone keeps sneezing.
Why do people sneeze when they see bright lights?
In fact, seeing bright light doesn't just affect your eyes. There are other organs that will also react, one of which is the nose.
An estimated 18 to 35% of the population, constantly sneeze when looking at bright light. Apparently, the world of health has been researching this phenomenon for a long time.
Dr. Benjamin Bleier, a sinus surgeon and lecturer at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, confirmed this.
Sneezing when looking at bright light is a disorder known in medical terms asphotic sneeze reflex or the photic sneeze reflex.
People with this condition can sneeze at least two or three times after being exposed to bright light. However, it could be more, even up to 40 times.
Photic sneeze reflex also known as Autosomal Dominant Compulsive Helio-Ophthalmic Outbursts of sneezing (ACHOO).
This condition is genetic, so it often occurs in one family. If the parents have this condition, it is very likely that the child also has the condition.
Although there are many theories that explain the reasons for continuing to sneeze when looking at this bright light, Dr. Bleier believed this was caused by changes in light intensity.
When too much light is received by the eye, the nerve signals in the brain become confused.
"When the eye is exposed to glare, the parasympathetic nervous system instructs the pupil to constrict to protect the eye from minor damage. This effect indirectly activates the body's responses, one of which is sneezing which controls mucus secretion, "explained Dr. Bleier.
Is this condition dangerous?
Keeping sneezing when you see bright light is very annoying. Fortunately, this condition is generally harmless. It's just a warning sign for drivers and pilots.
Pilots and drivers often see a dark to light environment transition. For example, a driver who drives at night in a tunnel will be glaring at the headlights of the car from the opposite direction.
Then, pilots who accidentally see a sizable lightning in the sky will also be affected. Sneezing that occurs more than once can break their concentration in controlling a car or plane.
To minimize the occurrence of dangerous situations, people with photic sneeze reflex have to check his condition to the doctor.
The doctor may prescribe medication that can relieve symptoms. In addition, people who keep sneezing when they see bright light can also follow some of the following tips, such as:
- Use a hat or special sunglasses to reduce exposure to bright light. Always carry this object with you when you go outside.
- Make sure the light settings for the room, office room, or other room in the house are not too bright.
- Deft to close your eyes or cover your eyes when seeing bright light.
