I’m sure you have had that annoying feeling in the back of your nose that warns of an imminent sneeze, but it just won’t happen. So, want to know how to make yourself sneeze?
What makes us sneeze? Simply put, sneezing is the body’s preferred method of clearing its airways so you can continue breathing clean air.
But why do people sneeze? You take a deep breath every time an irritant enters the nose lining, including germs, dust, pollen, animal dander, pollutants, or mucus from a cold or the flu, dust, and pollen. Sometimes just to reset the entire nasal environment, a sneeze is essential too!
Then, the chest muscles constrict, and pressure increases. Achoo! The breath rushes quickly out of the nose as the tongue presses against the roof of the mouth.
We are all aware of the sensation when we are positively certain that we will sneeze, yet nothing happens.
It may make us angry and anxious in addition to being absolutely anticlimactic.
How to make yourself sneeze:
It is possible to sneeze on command, regardless of whether you are already experiencing that distinct prickling feeling or simply wish to eliminate any irritants. Here are 10 tips you can use.
1. Smell some spices
Inhaling any spices while cooking in the kitchen is the best example of an involuntary sneeze, which is why it can also be applied when you voluntarily want to sneeze.
All kinds of pepper make you sneeze, which is not coincidental. The nerve endings in the mucous membrane inside of your nose are irritated by spices. Your nose responds to inhaling them by expelling them as soon as possible.
Take a little sniff of some ground whole peppercorns or open a container of spices to induce a sneeze..
Don’t breathe in too deeply; if you do, the pleasant spice may quickly turn into burning discomfort.
2. Tweeze a nostril or brow hair
This will hurt, so consider yourself warned.
Sneezing can be induced by removing a single nostril hair and stimulating the trigeminal nerve.
Given how delicate the lining of the nose is, just thinking about it might cause you to start scratching your nose.
However, be gentle because the skin around the nose is quite delicate.
Similarly, your eyebrows are connected to the nasal nerve. The act of plucking a brow hair may aggravate face nerves and activate the nasal nerve, resulting in sneezing.
While it often happens instantly, you might need to lose a few more hairs before sneezing.
3. Have a fizzy drink
Ever experienced a tickling sensation in your nose while sipping on your favorite carbonated beverage? You have got carbon dioxide to thank for that.
Fizz can make you sneeze if you breathe it in or consume too much of it. This is due to the possibility of harm from excess carbon dioxide.
The carbon dioxide sensitivity of your nose is greater than that of your tongue.
So, in short, go grab a can of coke or whatever your favorite fizzy drink is and use it as an excuse to sneeze!
4. Massage your nose
The trigeminal nerve can also be stimulated by massaging the bridge of your nose.
If the back of your nose doesn’t start to tickle, continue massaging the bridge of your nose downward with your fingertips.
Additionally, massaging the nose may assist in facilitating fluid drainage. Don’t press too hard; just apply firm pressure.
5. Look towards a bright light
When exposed to sunlight or other strong light, one in three people who are already about to sneeze will sneeze.
According to a study, photic sneezing or sneezing uncontrollably in the presence of strong light is hereditary because it was found that 50% of children had this reflex if even one of their parents did.
Those who want to try this should quickly look at a bright light. However, avoid looking straight at the sun because doing so can harm your eyes.
6. Eat chocolate (because why not?)
High cocoa content dark chocolate could make you sneeze. Although the actual cause of this occurrence is unknown, scientists do not believe that allergies have anything to do with it.
It works best for people who don’t eat often, although this shouldn’t prevent frequent chocolate lovers.
Since there is no recognized trigger, this is classified as a photic sneeze reflex.
Although the specific mechanism behind its effectiveness is unknown, some cocoa granules may end up in the nose.
7. Put a tissue up your nose
A tissue can come in handy for sneezing! First, make a tissue point by twisting one of the sides.
To “tickle” the inside of your nose, carefully insert the tissue inside one nostril and move it back and forth.
Some people advise humming while moving the tissue to add more effect.
Once you start to experience a tickling sensation, gently move the tissue back and forth. This action stimulates the trigeminal nerve.
Using this method requires caution; avoid pushing the tissue too far up the nostril as this could be painful.
8. Spray a strong fragrance
Particularly potent fragrances and colognes can cause your nose to itch and cause you to sneeze.
Spray a powerful fragrance into the air while channeling your inner flamboyant person.
Never spray anything scented straight into your nose, and avoid inhaling perfume particles.
Instead, allow the smell to draw you in and perform its enchantment.
9. Cool air
When you’re cold, you can find that you sneeze more frequently.
The sensation of chilly air on the face and around the skull stimulates the trigeminal nerve. The nasal passages’ lining is also impacted as you inhale cooler air.
Turning up the AC or walking outside on a cold day may assist if you’re feeling cold and shivering because these symptoms might irritate the nerve and cause a sneeze.
10. Use your tongue to massage the roof of your mouth
Run your tongue tip lightly up and down the roof of your mouth. The trigeminal nerve runs along this path.
It can be necessary to experiment with the ideal location to massage, the pressure to use, and the length of time needed to elicit a sneeze.
Conclusion on how to make yourself sneeze:
Some of these methods might prove to be more effective for you than others. And, sometimes, it might be easier to trigger a sneeze depending on whether you have flu or a cold.
But, remember not to use excessive force when implementing any of these methods, be patient and try a different method if one doesn’t work.
Each person has a unique set of sensitivities and irritant responses, so figure out what is best for you!