Why do we sneeze?

"Sneeze on Monday for health,
Sneeze on Tuesday for wealth,
Sneeze on Wednesday for a letter,
Sneeze on Thursday for something better,
Sneeze on Friday for sorrow,
Sneeze on Saturday see your sweetheart tomorrow,
Sneeze on Sunday safety seek."

Obviously, this old wives tale does not speak the truth about what happens when you sneeze on certain days of the week, but is does make you wonder, "Why do we sneeze?"

Sneezing, or sternutation, can be defined as a sudden, forceful, involuntary burst of air through the nasal passages and mouth. The word is taken from the Latin word "sternere" which means "to cast down." It is caused by an irritant in the nasal passages and mucous membranes of the sinuses. Common irritants include dust, pollen, animal dander and virus infections. Sneezing is most common during cold and allergy season.

While sneezes can be very annoying, they are not a cause for concern unless they become excessive or prolonged. If you begin to experience repeated episodes of sneezing, which consist of more than one sneeze, you should consult your physician. Your bouts of sneezing could be caused by a specific allergen in the air surrounding you. If this is the case, your physician may suggest allergy treatments to remedy the problem.

If you think that your sneezes are caused by allergens in your home or office, you can help to eliminate these allergens by dusting and vacuuming often. By cutting down the amount of allergens present in the air, you will not sneeze as often. Frequently washing your bedding, curtains and other dust-collecting items also can help you to become sneeze free.

While some believe that you can prevent a sneeze by holding a finger under your nose, or rubbing your finger along the bridge of your nose, it is unlikely that either of these remedies will prevent a sneeze. Because sneezing is a reflex action, there is little you can do to control the sudden outbursts. While these "remedies" may temporarily delay a sneeze, your body still will want to rid itself of the antigen and eventually, you will sneeze.

The best advice I can give to you regarding sneezing is to cover your mouth to prevent the germs and antigens from being passed along to others. As for me when I hear the telltale "Achoo," I respond with the best remedy anyone could ask for: "Gesundheit!"

Hank Clever, M.D., is a well-known pediatrician in the St. Charles community.  Since retiring from private practice in 1998, Dr. Clever has continued to speak to community groups and organizations about a variety of health-related topics.  Send questions for Dr. Clever to The Doctor Is In, c/o Public Relations Department, SSM St. Joseph Health Center, 300 First Capitol Drive, St. Charles, Mo., 63301.

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