COLD AND FLU BASICS
What Causes Sneezing?
Sneezing is a way for your body to expel dirt and debris that may have gotten through the first line of defense; mucus. When sensitive mucous membranes are irritated, it causes you to sneeze.
There’s a huge variety of factors that can cause sneezing. Some of the common causes of sneezing include the cold or the flu.
What does it mean when you sneeze?
Sneezing is a protective reflex. In order to stop an irritant from going from your nose into your sinuses or lungs, you sneeze to push it out. It’s the body’s way of tossing out an intruder. Sneezing is not normally the result of a serious health problem and is part of your body’s natural defense system.
Reducing sneezing
Sneezing can be annoying, and it spreads cold and flu germs. There are a few ways to reduce sneezing, from home remedies to simple tips to over-the-counter medications.
Preventing sneezing at home:
- Antihistamines
- Nasal sprays
If your sneezing is being caused by a cold or flu, it may be best to try an over-the-counter medication, like NeoCitran, that contains an antihistamine such as diphenhydramine HCI, which can ease your sneezing as you get over the bug. In addition to diphenhydramine HCI, NeoCitran Extra Strength Total Cold Night contains ingredients that relieve sinus and nasal congestion, cough, minor body aches, sore throat, fever, headache, and runny nose.
