Sneezing when exposed suddenly to sunlight

[cookiesRfalla]

I've had this since I could remember. Every time I walk out of a dark or normally lighted area during a sunny day, I sneeze..!! immediately when exposed to sunlight, I sneeze. It's not affecting me in anyway other than sneezing once. I asked my family and close friends but none of them has it. It's weird. Is it a common thing? Is it.. dangerous in anyway? Do any TBers have this?

[Absentia]

Highly doubt it's a problem.
My guess is as you squint your nose hairs or sinus cavity move, causing slight irritation and then sneezing.

[middlebit]

I tend to sneeze when looking at the sun. Haven't had any sudden-sneeze attacks though. But it would make a great Steven Seagal title: "Sudden Sneeze".

[basmartin]

You might have som vampire blood in your veins, that could explain why you are allergic to the sun.

[cookiesRfalla]

Originally Posted by Absentia

Highly doubt it's a problem.
My guess is as you squint your nose hairs or sinus cavity move, causing slight irritation and then sneezing.

but that would mean that every time I squint I should sneeze, but it's only when exposed to sunlight after walking out of a dark place, and I only sneeze once.

Originally Posted by middlebit

I tend to sneeze when looking at the sun. Haven't had any sudden-sneeze attacks though. But it would make a great Steven Seagal title: "Sudden Sneeze".

Now that you mention it, I don't sneeze when I'm wearing sunglasses. I guess it's when looking at the sun, maybe it has something to do with eyeballs..

Originally Posted by basmartin

You might have som vampire blood in your veins, that could explain why you are allergic to the sun.

That would be great! but not sparkly vampire blood.

[RWP]

Photic sneeze reflex, very common. A good friend of mine had it.

[Absentia]

Originally Posted by cookiesRfalla

but that would mean that every time I squint I should sneeze, but it's only when exposed to sunlight after walking out of a dark place, and I only sneeze once.



Now that you mention it, I don't sneeze when I'm wearing sunglasses. I guess it's when looking at the sun, maybe it has something to do with eyeballs..

That would be great! but not sparkly vampire blood.

not really, with the sudden bright light you probably squint differently than when you're doing it voluntarily.

[hover]

Originally Posted by RWP

Photic sneeze reflex, very common.

yes. you're fine.

[cookiesRfalla]

Originally Posted by RWP

Photic sneeze reflex, very common. A good friend of mine had it.

Thanks man. That's a relief. I looked it up on Wikipedia.

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.
This sneeze reflex can also be brought on by sudden inhalation of cold air or exposure to strong flavors. This implies an overstimulation of any nerve close to the trigeminal nerve can cause the sneeze reflex.

[HailCorduroy]

I do this also, it's no biggie.

[WorkinOnIt]

Originally Posted by HailCorduroy

I do this also, it's no biggie.

Me too. If I am on the brink of a sneeze, but can't quite get that sneeze out, I can look at a bright light bulb and that will take it over the top and cause me to sneeze. It's kind of handy that way at least. Millions of folks have this condition. Small stuff, so don't worry.

[txbasschik]

My husband and my daughter both have this problem. And when it hits them, they sneeze like crazy! I mean, at least a dozen hard sneezes in a row. Hubby nearly wrecked the truck one afternoon due to this.

We were watching something on tv and found out that this is a hereditary trait. So, your kids, or your grandkids, will likely have this, too.

Cherie

[varunkapahi]

its a good thing! if you are not able to see someday, your sneeze will tell you if the place you have just entered is dimly lit or its really bright!

edit: i AM just kidding, ok? not looking for an infraction or something :P so its a joke dont take it to your heart

[Sonic_Death]

I've had this since I can remember... usually whenever I step outside (and especially if I happen to look at the sun) I will sneeze twice.

As said before, it has something to do with photo-sensitivity and causes the reaction.

[Ben B]

I have it too and so does my daughter. But I'm less affected now than I was when I was younger. I think I started becoming less affected by it somewhere in my 30s.

Ben

[BartmanPDX]

Originally Posted by txbasschik

My husband and my daughter both have this problem. And when it hits them, they sneeze like crazy! I mean, at least a dozen hard sneezes in a row. Hubby nearly wrecked the truck one afternoon due to this.

We were watching something on tv and found out that this is a hereditary trait. So, your kids, or your grandkids, will likely have this, too.

Cherie

+1. I have it and have nearly wrecked the car as a result, too. LOL.

FWIW, both my father and my daughter have it too.

[MakiSupaStar]

I do it, also if I need to sneeze and it's not coming out I look at bright lights.

[J. Crawford]

Originally Posted by MakiSupaStar

I do it, also if I need to sneeze and it's not coming out I look at bright lights.

Me too.

[MatticusMania]

Originally Posted by cookiesRfalla

I've had this since I could remember. Every time I walk out of a dark or normally lighted area during a sunny day, I sneeze..!! immediately when exposed to sunlight, I sneeze. It's not affecting me in anyway other than sneezing once. I asked my family and close friends but none of them has it. It's weird. Is it a common thing? Is it.. dangerous in anyway? Do any TBers have this?

All my life. Usually just one sneeze, occasionally two.

Originally Posted by J. Crawford

Me too.

Me three?

[MadMan118]

Originally Posted by varunkapahi

its a good thing! if you are not able to see someday, your sneeze will tell you if the place you have just entered is dimly lit or its really bright!

Are'nt you just brimming with optimism today.