Bright Light Sneezing?

Question

How many people out there sneeze when they see a bright light? For instance: Moving from dark room to outside sunlight.

Or

Feeling a sneeze coming and looking at toward the sun or light buld to help it along. I hate cloudy days when this happens

Next question: What causes it?

Thanks

I have brown eyes and typically only sneeze once maybe twice

Thanks to all

Answer 1

My son does this. I thought it was just a joke, but I read in Marilyn Vos Savant's column it really exists. It is called Photic Sneeze Reflex.

http://www.dankarran.com/sunsneezing/

Maybe a congenital malfunction in nerve signals in the trigeminal nervei. The nerve, called the trigeminal nerve, is responsible for sneezes. Research suggests that some people have an association between this nerve and the nerve that transmits visual impulses to the brain. Overstimulation of the optic nerve triggers the trigeminal nerve, and this causes the photic sneeze reflex.

Answer 2

Only if I have to sneeze do they help. I don't know why but I am so grateful. Photic sneeze reflex (also referred to as sun sneezing, photogenic sneezing, or whimsically called ACHOO, a backronym for Autosomal dominant Compelling Helio-Ophthalmic Outburst) is a medical condition by which people exposed to bright light sneeze. The photic sneeze reflex can also cause one to sneeze many times consecutively. The condition occurs in 17% to 25% of humans with more common occurrence in Caucasians than other human races. The condition is passed along genetically as an autosomal dominant trait. The first mention of the phenomenon is probably in the later work attributed to Aristotle (Problems, book XXXIII). The probable cause is a congenital malfunction in nerve signals in the trigeminal nerve nucleus. The fifth cranial nerve, called the trigeminal nerve, is apparently responsible for sneezes. Research suggests that some people have an association between this nerve and the nerve that transmits visual impulses to the brain. Overstimulation of the optic nerve triggers the trigeminal nerve, and this causes the photic sneeze reflex. Another theory suggests that tears leaking into the nose through the nasolacrimal duct are a cause of the photic sneeze reflex. The speed of the reflex seems to favour the first theory, as it happens much too quickly for tears to be generated and drain into the nose. In addition this sneeze reflex can be brought on by a sudden inhaling of cold air or a strong flavor such as a strong mint gum. This implies an overstimulation of any nerve close to the trigeminal nerve can cause the sneeze reflex.

Answer 3

Photic sneeze reflex is also referred to as photic sneeze response, sun sneezing, photogenic sneezing, the photosternutatory reflex, or even whimsically as ACHOO syndrome with its related backronym Autosomal dominant Compelling Helio-Ophthalmic Outburst syndrome. It is a medical condition by which people sneeze with sudden exposure to bright light. The photic sneeze reflex can also cause one to sneeze many times consecutively. The condition occurs in 17% to 35% of humans, with more common occurrence in Caucasians than others[citation needed]. The condition is passed along genetically as an autosomal dominant trait.

The first mention of the phenomenon is probably in the later work attributed to Aristotle (Problems, book XXXIII).

The probable cause is a congenital malfunction in nerve signals in the trigeminal nerve nuclei. The fifth cranial nerve, called the trigeminal nerve, is apparently responsible for sneezes. Research suggests that some people have an association between this nerve and the nerve that transmits visual impulses to the brain. Overstimulation of the optic nerve triggers the trigeminal nerve, and this causes the photic sneeze reflex. Another theory suggests that tears leaking into the nose through the nasolacrimal duct are a cause of the photic sneeze reflex. The speed of the reflex seems to favour the first theory, as it happens much too quickly for tears to be generated and drain into the nose. In addition this sneeze reflex can be brought on by a sudden inhaling of cold air or a strong flavour such as a strong mint gum. This implies an overstimulation of any nerve close to the trigeminal nerve can cause the sneeze reflex.

Answer 4

I do! I have been told by a doctor it is because I have light eyes. Apparently light eyes don't react as quickly as dark ones to block out the light. Why that triggers a sneeze I don't know. I have to wear sunglasses and I cover my eyes when I enter a brighter area or turn on a light in the dark until my eyes adjust. To make it even worse, I will keep sneezing until I am able to blow my nose!! Just great when you are driving...

Answer 5

I don't have an answer to your question, but "Bright Light Sneezing" sounds like a great name for a rock or psychedelic band.

Answer 6

I think that that happens to most people. I don't know why though. Interesting note...if you have to sneeze and you don't want to, press really hard (not painfully hard) with the side of you knuckle on the valley just under your nose above your lips and you won't sneeze.

Answer 7

It's a heredity condition. I have it and heard once that it affects 1 in 100,000 people.