Moneycontrol News | July 11, 2024
You may not have noticed it yet because it is totally inconsequential. But there are times when you step outside into the open and suddenly you have the urge to sneeze
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This happens more often when you step outside from a dark building into the full glare of the sun. There’s nothing to worry: as many as 1 in 3 people have this reaction
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It is called the photic sneeze reflex. It is also known as “autosomal dominant compelling helio-ophthalmic outburst syndrome," or ACHOO!
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Scientists say that it could also be genetic: you have a 50 percent chance of inheriting this reaction to light if one of your biological parents have it
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Photic sneezing happens after exposure to a bright light, mostly sunlight, and often when moving from darkness to light. It is caused by a change in light intensity
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The intensity of photic sneeze reflex can vary from person to person. Some people may experience sneezing multiple times in a row
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Although still not confirmed, one possible explanation of this reaction is that light stimulates the trigeminal nerve, which has its branches all over the face
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You can avoid photic sneezing by wearing sunglasses when you go out
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Another potential way to stop photic sneezing is by applying pressure to philtrum, the groove under the middle of your nose, with your finger horizontally
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Some studies suggest that applying pressure may either override the irritation or interfere with nerve signals that may trigger photic sneezing
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