When sunlight reflects off of metal or snow into my eyes, I sneeze. What can you tell me about this?
2007-01-07 14:21:37 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Other - Diseases
...the "photic sneeze reflex," more commonly known as "sun sneezing", that strange phenomenon where people sneeze when suddenly exposed to bright light. Recognized in medical journals for the last 40 years, it has also been called the "ACHOO syndrome". Supposedly only 25% of the population is prone to sun sneezing, leading some to speculate that the tendency to sneeze at the sun may be an inheritable trait that only some possess. (It should be noted however that most newborns exhibit sun sneezing.)
2007-01-07 14:24:47 · answer #1 · answered by bubba 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I do this too--was told the optic nerve and the sneeze nerve are located so close that when the light triggers the optic nerve it also stimulates the sneeze nerve--not all people have the nerves so close together so it only impacts a a few good people.
2007-01-07 22:27:41 · answer #2 · answered by NuncProTunc 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's called photic sneezing - Wikepedia has a good article on it. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photic_sneeze_reflex
Unfortunately, being photic sneezers means that you and I can't be fighter pilots. Going in and out of clouds would make us sneeze all the time, and sneezing when in control of a jet going Mach 3 would be bad! I get the same effect going into frosty air.
2007-01-07 22:39:36 · answer #3 · answered by Seraphim 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ok, this doesn't answer your question at all, but I've always wondered the same thing. I sneeze when I get my eyebrows plucked too. Its so weird. I'll keep checking back for answers on your question. Its a good one.
2007-01-07 22:23:36 · answer #4 · answered by melissa_marie45 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
because when you sneeze the eyes reflexively clench shut which irritates the optic nerve and causes the phenomenon.
2007-01-07 22:28:07 · answer #5 · answered by Butch 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The scent sensing tissues in your nose are very sensitive.. even to light!
2007-01-07 22:24:02 · answer #6 · answered by lol omg jk lmao brb ty yw stfu 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Light allergy, it happens to some people
2007-01-07 22:23:25 · answer #7 · answered by Wet Willie 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Don't know why it happens, but my whole family does it.
2007-01-07 22:32:38 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
bull
2007-01-07 22:23:12 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋