Sneezing
Most people associate allergies with spring, when pollen from trees and flowers is in the air. But allergies can occur at any time of year. Seasonal allergies, or allergic rhinitis, affect about 30% of adults and 40% of children in the United States. Seasonal allergies are one of the most common chronic conditions in the country.
For many people, sneezing is an annoying but harmless symptom of seasonal allergies. But did you know that there’s a scientific reason behind why we sneeze? The connection between sneezing and seasonal allergies is stronger than you might think.
Sneezing is our body’s way of getting rid of irritants that have made their way into our noses. When we inhale dust, pollen, or other airborne particles, they stimulate the nerves in our nose, which triggers a reflex response from our brain. As a result, our muscles contract, and we expel a burst of air from our mouth and nose. This helps to clear the irritants from our nasal passages so that we can breathe more easily.
