Why do sneezes often come in pairs?

Question

When I sneeze I often sneeze and then there is a pause followed by another sneeze is there any science behind this or is it random or what?

Answer 1

Probably for the same reason that this question apparently comes in pairs ;)

Sneezing is generally caused by irritation. When allergenic particles (such as pollen) irritate the nose, the body responds by expelling them from the nasal passages. The sudden inhalalation after the first sneeze can allow more irritants in, which can trigger a second sneeze.

Answer 2

The first sneeze sometimes irritates the nasal passages by forcing air through too fast, which triggers a second sneeze. Sometimes it's only two, or with some people who are more sensitive, there can be as many as ten in a row (this happens to my mother when she gets colds).

Answer 3

Only in pairs??? Hell, when I sneeze, I sneeze a minimum of 5 times consecutively.

Answer 4

A sneeze is caused (usually) by something itching your nose. After one sneeze to get rid of it, it might still be there in your nose and not gone. So you sneeze again to try to get rid of it the second time.

Answer 5

Sometimes, you sneeze because you need oxygen..sometimes it may be because there's something in your nose...I'm taking a guess here but okay, you know how when you jump, you need to kind of stabilize yourself after jumping a big distance so it goes like *jump...maybe a step or two...then finally steady* well, I'm guessing that the 2nd sneeze is kind of like the stabilizing thing...

Answer 6

Your lung capacity may be smaller- i only sneeze once because i take a huge breath before i do- i feel it coming out from my gut so i hardly ever sneeze twice unless i have hayfever or a cold

Answer 7

That way you're twice blessed.

Probably because once your sniffer gets primed it wants to do another one. Like scratching an itch.

Old joke:

Patient: Hey doc, I just sneezed 19 times in a row. What do you say to that?

Doc: Gesundheit.

Answer 8

I sneeze approximately six situations at a time extraordinarily whilst utilising & the solar is in my eyes. I look to sneeze universal. i think it may desire to be pollution interior the air. I sneeze a lot greater now than 10 years in the past. The worst time is whilst the blue & yellow fields are arouind.

Answer 9

my 5 month old daughter always does a double sneeze too. strange isn't it. wish i only sneezed twice. had 5 earlier :(

Answer 10

According to my Doctore everyone has their own unique sneeze pattern. It's genetics. Go figure.