When I wake up in the morning and after I have moved around for a while usually during the time that I eat breakfast I start to sneez. I will sneez and sneez and I cant talk eat or do anything, until it stops. I usually use about a half box of kleenez. MY Nose will run for a about an hour afterwards I have no idea what causes this. Can you give me any Ideas?? I am not otherwise I don't have the problme the rest of the day
REPLY -----------
This type of intractable or spasmodic sneezing is suggestive of an allergic episode. If it does not happen on a daily basis, I would first suggest making a diary, recording various activities, diet, clothing, detergents, bathing soaps, etc.
If it occurs daily but in a seasonal fashion, ie spring and fall, etc, this would suggest inhalant allergies such as hay fever.
The identification of the the cause may require formal allergy evaluation with either blood tests or skin testing.
If the cause is indeed determined to be allergic, the best method of treatment is avoidance. When that is not possible or ineffective, symptomatic treatment with antihistamines (eg Benadryl, Dimetapp, or various prescription medications) may be helpful. Finally immunotherapy (ie allergy shots) are used to induce tolerance to the offending agent(s).
There are some other less likely possible causes: Non-allergic rhinitis - a poorly understood inflammation of the nasal membranes that typically results in nasal drip, stuffiness and less commonly sneezing. Additionally, anatomic abnormalities in the nose and/or sinus may be a contributing factor (eg deviated septum, nasal polyps).
Also, there is an unusual reflex that occurs in certain individuals when they go from very dark surroundings into a very brightly lit environment which is associated with vigorous sneezing. The classic example is associated with leaving the movie theater into the bright sunlight.
--
Steve Dankle, MD
Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Milwaukee, Wis
NOTICE: OFCN is not engaged in the rendering of professional medical services. The information contained on this system or any other OFCN system should not supplant individual professional consultation. It is offered exclusively as a community education service. Advice on individual problems must be obtained directly from a professional.
Click here to review previous
Ear, Nose and Throat Clinic consultations