when i look at a bright light -- why do i sneeze?

Question

this only happens if say i look at the sun or other bright light --- i can sneeze maybe 4 or 5 times but once ive finished i cant sneeze if i look at the light again!
why is this happening and what is causing it to happen

Answer 1

It is called the photic sneeze reflex and it occurs in about a quarter of all people. It is thought to be caused by an abnormal nerve.

Answer 2

This is very common in babies.
Most people know of at least one person who sneezes when they are suddenly exposed to bright light. This is most often seen when a person walks into the sunlight after having been inside for a while. The person looks into the sunlight (or just has the light shine upon the face) and it triggers one or more sneezes. Well, there is, in fact, a connection between bright light and sneezing. It has a name but you’re not going to believe it: Autosomal Dominant Compelling Helio-Ophthalmic Outburst or ACHOO Syndrome. Now, you have to know the scientists who gave it such a label must have worked hard to come up with one that was so cute.

This sneeze reflex is inherited and thought to be prevalent in approximately 24 percent of the population. The cause of it is still unknown but there are a few theories. The speculations as to the cause are somewhat technical but they all involve direct stimulation by light to nerves found in the face. This reflex does not involve mechanisms similar to allergies, and there are no known problems associated with this syndrome.

With one-quarter of the population susceptible to this type of sneezing reflex, it is hard to consider it abnormal in anyone. It is simply an interesting phenomenon that occurs in many people

Answer 3

Its something to do with your pupils contracting. When you sneeze, your pupils get smaller. When you have a sneeze that won't come out, you look at a light. this makes your pupils contract, and you sneeze.
I don't know the biological mechanics behind this, though.

Answer 4

Photic sneeze reflex, join the club. It's apparently a dominant trait, I would imagine other people in your family have it as well.

Answer 5

hmmm if i feel like i may want to sneeze i have just to look up at a light then "attttchoo" instantly. wierd eh?
cant help u with the answer though sorry.

Answer 6

the lite causes the mucus in your nose to heat up causing the hairs to wiggle tickling the optic nerve which is connwcted to the olfactory ligament making you sneeze.

Answer 7

i always sneeze if the sun gets in my eyes.

Answer 8

i dont know but it happens to me too so you are not alone