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Sneezing

Alternative Names:

Sternutation

Home Care:

Avoiding exposure to the offending allergen is the best way to control sneezing caused by allergic diseases.

Tips to reduce your exposure: 

In some cases, moving out of a residence with a mold spore problem may be necessary.

For sneezing not caused by an allergy, the problem will disappear when the underlying disorder is cured or treated.

Call your health care provider if:

Call your provider if sneezing adversely affects your life and home remedies do not work.

What to expect at your health care provider's office:

Your medical provider will obtain a medical history. You may be asked:

A physical examination will also be performed. The doctor will examine your the upper respiratory tract. In some cases, allergy testing may be needed to provide an accurate diagnosis.

Antihistamines are the first line of therapy for sneezing caused by allergies. Nasal steroid sprays may be helpful in more chronic conditions.

Allergy shots, also called immunotherapy or hyposensitization, may be considered for seasonal or year round symptoms that cannot be managed with other drugs because of their side effects.

References:

Adkinson NF Jr. Middleton’s Allergy: Principles and Practice . 6th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby; 2003.

Rakel RE. Textbook of Family Medicine . 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2007.

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