One of the most annoying things about having allergies is sneezing. Sneezing can be very frustrating to deal with, especially if you’re unable to stop sneezing. It can also sometimes be a source of embarrassment when it happens at inopportune times. Is there a way on how to stop sneezing immediately? What can you do when you’re having a sneezing fit?
Why do you sneeze when you have allergies?
Before anything, we first need to understand why some people sneeze when they have allergy attacks. The most common reason for this is a condition known as allergic rhinitis1. This is a condition wherein a person’s nose and nasal passages are inflamed by an allergen. These allergens could be dust, pollen, mold, or even from the fur of certain animals.
Other symptoms of allergic rhinitis include a runny nose and watery eyes, itching inside of the nose as well as the roof of the mouth2.
Allergic rhinitis isn’t a serious condition, and most people who have it can get by even without medication3. However, it can be annoying to have to deal with constant sneezing caused by allergic rhinitis. So it’s a good idea to know how to stop sneezing immediately.
How to stop sneezing immediately: 5 tips to remember
Here are some important things to remember if you want to stop sneezing immediately:
1. Stay away from allergy triggers
The very first thing you need to do is to stay away from allergy triggers. If a dusty area caused you to start sneezing, you should try to move to an area that has cleaner air or address the issue by more frequent cleaning of areas where you stay. In some cases, this might mean that you’ll need to wear a mask in order to avoid inhaling any allergens4.
2. Keep the air clean
Another thing you can do is to keep the air clean. This could involve turning on the air conditioning or even just a fan. Air purifiers can also help filter out any allergens that might be in the air. For some people, a humidifier can help them stop sneezing, as its the cold, dry air which irritates their nasal passages.
3. Take over-the-counter medication
Over-the-counter medication (oral and topical), such as antihistamines, work very well against allergic rhinitis. Not only do these help to stop sneezing immediately, but they can also relieve other symptoms such as a runny nose and watery eyes.
4. Use a saline solution
Saline solution can help wash out any allergens that might be in your sinuses. Nasal sprays work well for this, but nasal irrigation can also work. Though, nasal sprays might be more convenient since it’s easy to carry a spray with you that you can use anytime you have a sneezing fit.
5. Just let it happen
Sometimes, there’s really no way to prevent a sneeze from happening. So the best way to go about it would be to just let it happen5. Sneezing can provide relief, and also clear blocked nasal passages. Sneezing can also help expel and blow out any allergens in your nose, which is good for your allergies.
So don’t always think that sneezing isn’t a good thing. It’s your body’s way of dealing with foreign invaders, and every once in a while it’s good to let out a good sneeze.
Key Takeaways
When it comes to the topic of how to stop sneezing immediately, there are various ways to go about it. While allergic rhinitis isn’t life-threatening, it can be annoying to deal with especially if you’re constantly sneezing because of it.
By following the tips above, you can help alleviate any symptoms you might be experiencing. If you continue to regularly experience sneezing, or you notice any unusual symptoms, don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor about it.
Learn more about Allergies here.
