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Reflexive sneezing induced by light, and sunlight in particular, is estimated to occur in 18 to 35 percent of the population and is known as the photic sneeze reflex (PSR) or the ACHOO (autosomal dominant compulsive helio-ophthalmic outbursts of sneezing) syndrome. Its genetic nature has been known for at least the last 25 years; it is periodically discussed in the medical literature and lay press. Observations that emerging from dim light into sunlight or turning to face directly into the sun commonly triggers the reflex prompted early inquiries into the trait. The number of induced sneezes--which seems to be genetically mediated and can be predicted within a family--is constant from episode to episode and typically numbers two or three.

Some consequences of the PSR include danger to automobile drivers when emerging from dim light, such as a tunnel, into full sunlight, and disruption of outdoor group photos. More recently, reports in publications oriented to military medicine have noted the potential danger to pilots experiencing the PSR. In fact, studies conducted by the military revealed that the PSR is not mediated by specific wavelengths of light and thus cannot be mitigated by the use of filtering lenses; rather the investigators concluded that the PSR is induced by changes in light intensity. Others have not found flickering light to precipitate the PSR. Exactly how sunlight causes some people to sneeze remains unknown.

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13y ago
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4mo ago

When you walk into sunlight, the bright light can trigger a photic sneeze reflex in some people. This reflex causes the nerve signals from the eyes to cross paths with the nerves that control sneezing, resulting in a sneeze. It is known as the Autosomal Dominant Compelling Helio-Ophthalmic Outburst (ACHOO) syndrome.

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12y ago

i have no idea. I think it's

genetic because my grandfather and I both sneeze when we look at bright lights. Its not jus the sunlight, it's any bright light.

One theory I heard was that the bright light sneeze was a hang-over from our caveman days: emerging from a dirty cave into sunlight, a cave dweller would sneeze to clear his sinus passages, ensuring he could better sense game and/or danger.

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10y ago

There are many reasons why sunlight makes you sneeze. You squint your eyes causing tension in your sinus cavity causing the sneeze.

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12y ago

It is the dust which gets activated by the sun's energy which makes us sneeze.

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12y ago

The photic sneeze reflex causes you to sneeze in response to various stimuli, including bright light. No one really knows why.

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15y ago

it's called photic sneeze reflex. it happens to 1/4 of people, mostly in caucasions. you wont be able to fly a combat plane if you have it.

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14y ago

They sneeze into the sun because they just do.

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Q: Why do you sneeze when walking into the sun?
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Why do you never sneeze just one time?

Some people only sneeze once. Like me but my sneeze is a scream. I sneeze from my throat so that is probably why I only sneeze once. When you sneeze it is normally because your nasal passages are filled with mucus and your body is trying to remove it. When you sneeze multiple times it is just a reaction. Have you noticed if someone tickles your nose or you look at the sun you sneeze? After one sneeze some people have that tickle feeling so they sneeze repeatedly.


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When a bright light, like the sun, makes you sneeze.


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How do you sneeze on command?

Bright lights! Ever wak out into the sun and sneeze, it's a natural reaction to the light. Other than that maybe snorting/sniffing pepper.


Is it true that when ever you sneeze it is because ghosts are walking through you?

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A rhyme denotes what happens when you sneeze on certain days of the week what happens on Tuesday?

If you sneeze on a Tuesday, you will kiss a stranger. The whole rhyme goes: If you sneeze on Monday, you sneeze for danger; Sneeze on a Tuesday, kiss a stranger; Sneeze on a Wednesday, sneeze for a letter; Sneeze on a Thursday, something better; Sneeze on a Friday, sneeze for sorrow; Sneeze on a Saturday, see your sweetheart to-morrow.


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Why is a sneeze called a sneeze?

Because when you sneeze the sound you make is "SNEEZE!" ^No, it really isn't. I've not heard one person say "SNEEZE" when they sneeze, ever in my life. I've heard people say "Achoo", "Atishoo" and other ones, but never "SNEEZE".