A sneeze is a sudden, forceful, involuntary burst of air through the nose and mouth.

See also:

• Allergen
• Allergic rhinitis
• Allergy to mold, dander, dust
• Allergy and asthma resources
• Common cold
• Vasomotor rhinitis

Sternutation

Sneezing is caused by irritation to the mucous membranes of the nose or throat. It can be very bothersome, but is generally not a sign of a serious problem.

• Allergy to pollen, mold, dander, dust (hay fever)
• Corticosteroid inhalation (from certain nose sprays)
• Drug withdrawal
• Nasal irritants such as dust and powders
• Virus infections (common cold, upper respiratory tract infections, the flu)

Images

Throat anatomy

Review Date: 06/29/2010
Reviewed By: Paula J. Busse, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Division of Clinical Immunology, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)