Do you sneeze every time you wake up? People often say that sneezing is dangerous for your health, especially when you have a lung disease. Otherwise, it has proven to be a healthy practice even among people with life-threatening illnesses. In fact, sneezing is a defensive reflex that can trigger various medical conditions. A person sneezes when there is irritation of the nasal mucosa. It is the sudden and forceful evacuation of air from the lungs through the nose and mouth.
Causes of morning sneezes
There are various reasons that are widely accepted as a cause of morning sneezing:
- Rhinitis (allergic/hay fever/non-allergic/infectious/occupational)
- Vasomotor rhinitis and nonallergic rhinitis with eosinophilia syndrome (NARES)
- Sinusitis
- When people are exposed to bright light (photo sneeze reflex)
- Breathe dry air
Sneezing is the protective reflex mechanism that follows allergic and non-allergic source rhinitis. It only benefits us if we do not suffer from any lung or respiratory disease.
Other causes of morning sneezes
It is the body’s cleansing mechanism that helps remove potentially harmful stimulants or irritants from the body through the nose or mouth. Most people sneeze when they wake up in the morning. This could be due to prolonged exposure to common air pollutants while sleeping. In addition, the pollen count of various plant species is usually high in the morning. As a result, those who are allergic to pollen may have a sneezing fit. However, many factors can trigger your morning sneezes, such as different forms of rhinitis, allergens, dust, dust mites, mold, wood dust, chemicals, animal dander, dry rooms or air conditioners, bright light and sinuses.
Non-allergic rhinitis is triggered mainly when a person is immediately exposed to cold or hot air in the morning, certain foods, drinks, certain medications, airborne stimulants, etc. Although there is no cure for allergy, you should be aware that if your allergy is exposed to allergens, it may increase your sinus symptoms or any of your existing respiratory conditions. It is therefore recommended to take precautions to avoid contact with allergens.
Read also : Say goodbye to seasonal allergies with these tips
How to avoid it?
To get rid of your morning sniffles, identify and eliminate the allergens that irritate you. Try the following tips to keep allergens at bay.
- Keep the house clean and tidy by getting rid of dust particles, pet dander and mold. You can also stay inside your home with your windows closed when the pollen count is higher outside.
- Thoroughly clean your bed when you have a pollen allergy.
- Bathe your pets regularly
- Try using hypoallergenic bedding: There are some natural materials that can fight dust mites and fungal spores, keeping them away from your bed rather than trapping them.
- You can also use Vaseline as a proactive effort and apply it to your nose at night. This helps keep dust mites or pollen away so you don’t inhale it.
- Vaseline petroleum jelly can be used for this or any other petroleum jelly of your choice available in the market. Apply it around the edge of your nose and don’t place it too far from your nostrils.
- You may also choose the option of taking certain medications in case allergens continue to affect you.
If these things don’t help, see your doctor to find out the exact cause of the problem. Stay safe, stay healthy!
