Sneezing is a reflex action that clears irritants from your nose. Sneezing is commonly triggered by allergens ike pollen, dust mites, pet dander, mould spores and irritants like smoke, strong odors, air pollution, chemicals. It can also stem from infections like common cold, flu, sinusitis (viral or bacterial), changes in temperature – stepping out into cold air or sudden exposure to heat, strong spices, pepper, or sudden intake of very hot/cold foods and certain medicies like nasal decongestant spray.
Sneezing and coughing increase during winter. As the mercury drops at the onset of winter, the problem of catching a cold increases. Those who are prone to allergies have problems all year round. Be it cold or dust outside, sneezing can start for any reason.
Doctors say that any kind of ‘allergen’, be it pollution particles, flower pollen, pet hair or dust mites from clothes, will cause sneezing after sneezing. If you take antibiotics as soon as you start sneezing, then sneezing will be controlled for the time being, but the problem will not be solved permanently. Therefore, this problem must be eliminated from the beginning. There are some ways to do that.
To prevent sneezing, it is necessary to know the reason why you are sneezing first. If you sneeze only when dust and smoke are present, then you should understand that you have a ‘dust allergy’. Avoid unclean places, construction sites, places where there is dust and sand. Because, if dust enters the respiratory tract, inflammation will start, then sneezing will continue.
How to stop sneezing?
Saline nasal rinse
A saline nasal wash helps flush pollen, dust, and other debris from your nasal passages. It also helps remove excess mucus and adds moisture. Your nasal passages are open spaces behind your nose. Air passes through your nasal passages before entering your lungs.
To perform a nasal rinse at home, wash your hands, prepare a saline solution using boiled and cooled water mixed with salt, then gently pour or squeeze it into one nostril while tilting your head over a sink until it drains out the other. Repeat on the other side, and after rinsing, blow your nose gently and clean the device thoroughly.
Warm compress to soothe your nasal passages
To use a warm compress for nasal passages, soak a clean cloth in warm water, wring it out, and place it over your nose, forehead, and cheeks for 10–15 minutes. The warmth helps to soothe inflamed tissues, increase blood flow, and thin mucus, which promotes drainage and eases congestion. You can repeat this process 2–3 times a day.
Consume Honey
Honey is very useful in stopping sneezing. Even during severe sneezing, eating a spoonful of honey can be beneficial. Honey may help prevent sneezing by acting as a soother for irritated throats and potentially building tolerance to some allergens, although its effectiveness for seasonal allergies is limited because it lacks the specific pollens that cause most hay fever. For general throat irritation, mixing honey with warm water or tea can provide relief and ease symptoms like sneezing.
Inhale steam
Another effective way to stop sneezing is to inhale steam. Taking boiling water in a large pot and cover it with a towel to inhale the steam can be very beneficial. Inhaling steam helps prevent sneezing by soothing the irritated lining of the nasal passages, which reduces their sensitivity to irritants. The warm, moist air also helps to loosen and thin mucus, clearing congestion that might otherwise trigger the sneeze reflex.
Drink warm water mixed with lemon juice and honey
Drinking warm water mixed with lemon juice and honey every morning can also be beneficial. The vitamin C in lemon will increase immunity. Drinking warm water with lemon and honey can help alleviate sneezing by soothing throat irritation and thinning mucus, but it does not prevent sneezing caused by allergies or colds. Honey coats the throat, while the warm fluid helps calm the lining of the nose and throat. The lemon adds vitamin C and flavour, and the drink’s hydrating properties support overall immune function.
Smell Eucalyptus oil
The smell of eucalyptus oil can also be beneficial in this case. If you get it in your nose, sneezing can stop. If you have a tendency to sneeze, put 2-3 drops of eucalyptus oil on a handkerchief. Hold it in front of your nose for a while. Sneezing will stop.
Smelling eucalyptus oil can help prevent sneezing by reducing nasal inflammation and congestion through its anti-inflammatory properties and by opening up nasal passages. The active compound, citronellal, has anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, while the scent itself provides a cooling sensation that improves airflow and eases breathing.
Drink Kadha
Drinking tea (known as kadha in traditional Indian medicine) made from ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and whole black pepper may help relieve symptoms of cold, cough, and allergies, including sneezing, but it is not a guaranteed preventative or cure.
Ginger has anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties. Black Pepper acts as a natural immunomodulator and expectorant due to its active compound, piperine, which helps break down mucus and clear nasal passages. Cinnamon is an antimicrobial and antifungal spice with warming properties that can provide a calming effect and help reduce throat pain and inflammation. Cloves contain eugenol, which has pain-relieving and antiseptic qualities.
Drink made with ginger, basil leaves and black pepper
You can try another healthy drink. Boil about 500 ml of water. Mix grated ginger, basil leaves and black pepper powder in it. When the water boils, reduce it and strain it. When it cools down, mix honey and drink it. Cold, cough and tonsil pain will be relieved by drinking this decoction.
