Have you ever heard a sneeze coming that stops at the tip of your nose, making you squirm with discomfort? Maybe you want to get rid of it before a speech, meeting, meal, or date. You're in luck: sneezing is a natural reaction, so it's possible to force one with the right stimuli. Of course, many of the methods outlined in this article won't work for all people, and forcing a sneeze may not be good for your health. Try some of the tips below, but also consider just blowing your nose!
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Forcing a Sneeze with Distinctive Odors
Step 1. Smell the spices
Smelling certain spices can cause you to sneeze. Look for a jar of spices in the kitchen, such as ground black pepper, cumin, coriander, or chopped chili. You can either open the bottle and smell the spices or use them in preparing a dish and inhale through your nose as you add them.
Even grinding spices can cause you to sneeze. Try grinding a few peppercorns in a mortar and you may sneeze
Step 2. Smell the capsicum extract
This substance is a natural derivative of chillies and is used in medications and irritating sprays. The extract is recommended to reduce the symptoms of polyps in the nose and can be used without risk, even if it is temporarily painful. Since you are simply trying to force a sneeze, don't apply the extract to the inside of your nose, as it will burn a lot. Just wet a cotton swab on the neck of a capsicum extract bottle and hold it in front of your nose. This method almost always achieves the desired result.
If you don't have capsicum extract, then you can also open a chili pepper, such as a jalapeno, and dab the inside with a cotton ball. Then, breathe in the scent of the chili through your nose
Step 3. Smell a fizzy drink
It may be enough to trigger a sneeze. You may also get the desired result by drinking the soda, but don't be ashamed to hold the glass directly under your nostrils and inhale - the air bubbles could make you sneeze.
Make sure the soda is very carbonated. If it isn't, there may not be enough bubbles to trigger a sneeze
Step 4. Open a mint gum candy
Some people sneeze while smelling peppermint. If you have mints or peppermint gum, try putting one in your mouth. Breathe in the scent as you taste the gum and you may start sneezing.
- You can also try sniffing a bottle of peppermint essential oil if you have any. Just open the bottle and breathe in the scent of the oil through your nose.
- Smelling peppermint toothpaste might work too. Just open the cap of the toothpaste and breathe in the scent through your nose.
Part 2 of 3: Try Other Techniques for Inducing a Sneeze
Step 1. Tickle your nostrils
Get your brain to activate a defense mechanism and send the order to sneeze to your nose, gently irritating the inside of your nostrils. The inside of the nose is extremely sensitive to irritation, so you can use a tissue to tickle the hairs in your nostrils and force a sneeze.
- Roll the corner of a handkerchief to a point, insert it into one nostril, then twist and swing the handkerchief, which should tickle you slightly.
- Using the same principle, you can rub a fake feather under your nose. You won't even need to insert it into your nostrils or irritate them - just the movement will make you sneeze.
- Do not insert anything into the nose beyond the inner edge of the nostrils, not even a paper towel.
- Do not use a hairpin or other small, pointed object to stimulate the nose hair.
Step 2. Try plucking one eyebrow off
Some people instinctively react with a sneeze if a hair is plucked from their eyebrows. To understand if this happens to you too, take tweezers and tear off a small hair: it should be enough.
Grab the hair near the root with tweezers and pull it off with a sharp blow
Step 3. Suddenly look at a bright light
About a third of people have an innate "photic reflex" that causes sneezing. If you are one of them, you will immediately sneeze at the sight of a strong light. To find out if you have such a reflection, turn off the lights and close your eyes. Wait a few minutes for your eyes to get used to the dark, then look in the direction of the light and turn it on.
- Alternatively, if you are outdoors and it is sunny, squeeze your eyes tightly and protect yourself from the light with your hand. After a minute or two, remove your hand and open your eyes.
- This method works because the trigeminal nerve, which controls sneezing, runs close to the optic nerve. As a result, overstimulation of the optic nerve can cause the trigeminal nerve to cause a sneeze.
- Never look at the sun directly, as it can hurt your eyes.
Step 4. Get some cold air
This is another effective way to induce the sneeze reflex. Try to irritate your nasal passages by suddenly breathing in air that is much colder than the ambient air. For example, if you are indoors and it is much colder outside, try going outside and suddenly inhaling the outside air.
- If it's not cold enough outside, try putting your head in the freezer!
- Also try taking a hot shower, then pull your head out of the shower briefly and get some fresh air.
Part 3 of 3: Reduce the urge to sneeze
Step 1. Try rubbing your nose if it itches
If you feel itchy or tingling in your nose or surrounding area, then this may be why you feel like you need to sneeze. Try rubbing your nose quickly with the back of your hand - it can reduce or eliminate the feeling that you need to sneeze. Also press your tongue against your teeth: it confuses the mind and thus avoids sneezing.
If the itching is severe or if it doesn't go away, talk to your doctor. It could be an allergic reaction to something
Step 2. Get away from allergens and other irritants
Being exposed to allergens and irritants, such as mold, dust, chemicals, and smoke can make you feel like you need to sneeze. If you are in an environment with a lot of allergens or irritants, try to do something to eliminate or reduce those substances.
- Try to get an air purifier for your home if you think that dust and mold are the cause of your sneezing.
- Do not allow anyone to smoke in your home. Ask them to go outside, and keep the appropriate distance, if you are in the company of people who smoke.
- Use chemicals (such as detergents) in well-ventilated areas. Open a window and turn on a fan when you need to use a chemical that can make you sneeze.
Step 3. Blow your nose or use a decongestant
A blocked nose can also make you feel like you need to sneeze. If the nose is full, try blowing it or take a decongestant; should help you relieve the urge to sneeze.
Step 4. If you have a severe cold, seek appropriate treatment
If you are cold, it is easy for you to sneeze. Treat cold symptoms by taking cold medications, blowing your nose frequently, and eating cough candies.
- If the cold is severe and you are not getting relief from basic treatments, call your doctor. You may need a prescription drug to help relieve cold symptoms and speed recovery.
- You can also talk to your doctor about allergy testing if you think this may be causing your need to sneeze. Your doctor can recommend various types of medicines that can help you.
