Uncontrollable Sneezing Fits: Why Can't I Stop Sneezing?

Sneezing fits can feel annoying and impossible to control. But they’re often your body’s way of reacting to something in your environment. Their causes include allergies, colds, or even strong smells. Learning these triggers helps you find relief.

In this guide, we’ll break down the most common reasons for sneezing fits and share practical tips to stop them.

What Triggers Uncontrollable Sneezing Fits?

Sneezing fits can happen for many reasons, but allergies are the most common cause. Pollen from trees, grass, or weeds in the air during certain times of the year can make you sneeze a lot. Pollen triggers sneezing because the body’s immune system reacts to it as if it were harmful.

When pollen enters the nose, the immune system releases certain inflammatory cells, to fight off the pollen proteins. This reaction causes swelling and irritation, leading to sneezing [*].

Allergens inside your home, like pet dander, dust, or mold, can also cause sneezing. If you notice a stuffy nose, runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, or a scratchy throat along with sneezing, allergies might be the cause.

Besides Allergies, Why Can’t I Stop Sneezing?

Besides allergies, uncontrollable sneezing can result from several other factors.

• Viral Infections: The common cold, sinusitis, or other infections can irritate the nasal passages. They lead to sneezing as the body attempts to expel mucus and germs.
• Environmental Irritants: Strong odors, smoke, air pollution, or chemical fumes can stimulate the nasal lining. These trigger sneezing fits as a reflexive response.
• Dryness: Dry air can dry out the nasal passages, making them more sensitive and prone to sneezing. It can happen indoors during winter when heating systems are running, or in dry climates.
• Medications: Nasal decongestant sprays can cause rebound congestion if you use them often. This means that instead of helping, the spray makes your nose feel stuffy again and triggers more sneezing [*]. Your body gets used to the spray, so when it wears off, the congestion comes back even worse.
• Nasal polyps: Growths or structural abnormalities in your nasal passages may cause irritation and sneezing.

How to Stop Sneezing Fits

Sneezing fits can be frustrating and disruptive. The good news is that there are several effective ways to manage and prevent them. You can take medications, use a nasal spray, keep a clean environment, and make sure your nasal passages stay moist.

Here are some detailed tips to help stop sneezing fits:

• Take antihistamines: Taking antihistamines can reduce sneezing by blocking the body’s allergic response.
• Use nasal sprays: Nasal sprays like Allermi can help target specific allergy symptoms. Allermi contains multiple active ingredients like an antihistamine, decongestant, anticholinergic, and anti-inflammatory.
• Avoid triggers: Stay away from things that make you sneeze, like pollen, dust, mold, pet hair, smoke, strong smells, and air pollution. These are triggers, and avoiding them can help stop sneezing fits.
• Use a HEPA air purifier: Air purifiers with HEPA filters can clean the air in your home. They remove things like pollen, dust, and pet hair that can make you sneeze. This helps make the air easier to breathe and your home more comfortable.
• Use a humidifier: This is important because dry air, especially in winter or dry places, can make your nose feel dry and cause sneezing. A humidifier adds moisture to the air, which helps keep your nasal passages comfortable and prevents irritation.
• Rinse nasal passages: Use a saline spray or a neti pot to flush out allergens trapped in your nasal passages. Be sure to follow the instructions to stay safe.
• Consider allergy shots: For long-term relief, immunotherapy can help your body build tolerance to allergens.
• Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of fluids helps thin mucus, making it easier to clear your nasal passages. This also keeps your nasal passages moist and comfortable.

When to See a Doctor

See a doctor if home remedies and over-the-counter treatments don’t provide relief. If sneezing persists or disrupts your daily life, seek medical advice. Note for other symptoms that may accompany sneezing fits. These include facial pain, fever, shortness of breath, or unusual nasal discharge. A doctor can help identify the cause and develop a targeted treatment plan.

The Bottom Line

Sneezing fits can be annoying, and they’re usually caused by allergies, infections, or environmental factors. The good news is, there are lots of ways to manage and stop them. Take medicine, use a nasal spray, and avoid triggers.
If these methods don’t work, or if your sneezing is causing other symptoms, it’s a good idea to see a doctor. They can help figure out what’s causing the problem and suggest the right treatment. By taking action, you can breathe easier and feel better soon!

References:

1. Adler, T. (2005). Allergies: The Radical Theory of Sneezing. Environmental Health Perspectives, 113(11), A736. https://doi.org/10.1289/ehp.113-a736b
2. Wahid, N. W. B., & Shermetaro, C. (2023d, September 4). Rhinitis medicamentosa. StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538318/