Morning sneezing is a common problem for many people, and it can be irritating and draining. It can be caused by a range of different factors, including allergies, cold temperatures, dry air, and sensitivity to light.
Morning sneezes frustrate Annet Anthony, a 35-year-old computer engineer, Shillong. Her days start with a series of loud sneezes that often persist throughout the day.
Despite consulting with numerous medical professionals and consuming various allergy medications, Anthony got no respite from this problem.
After undergoing a series of tests, she was diagnosed with seasonal allergies and sinusitis.
The ENT specialist recommended a combination of treatments to help reduce the frequency of her morning sneezes. “I was advised to keep my windows closed especially during windy days, and prescribed antihistamines to help reduce the allergy symptoms,” says Anthony. She was also given a saline rinse daily, which helped clear out her sinuses and kept them moist.
By identifying the underlying issues and implementing the correct remedies, she has seen a decrease in her morning symptoms, resulting in a noticeable improvement in her overall well-being.
Causes
Morning sneezing is often caused by a combination of factors, including allergies, sinusitis, and changes in temperature and humidity or non-allergic rhinitis, says Dr Mahesh Meda, visiting consultant, ENT, Narayana Multispeciality, Bengaluru.
Allergic rhinitis
Dr Ria Emmanuel, consultant ENT, Narayana Multispeciality, Bengaluru explains that allergic rhinitis is one of the most common symptoms of morning sneezing. “It is a form of allergy that is manifested in the nose, so it is also associated with allergic conjunctivitis, itching in the nose, nose block and mucus secretion,” says Emmanuel who also specialises in allergy and immunotherapy.
Dr Meda and Dr Emmanuel say that if one suffers from seasonal allergies, one may experience morning sneezing as one’s body reacts to indoor and outdoor allergens like house dust mites, insect particles, pet dander, pollen, and mould. These allergens cause irritation to the nasal passages when one wakes up.
To reduce the frequency of morning sneezes, it is advised to keep the windows closed and use nasal sprays and antihistamines whenever necessary or as prescribed by a doctor. “Additionally, physical activity, sun exposure and optimising vitamin D level are also important factors,” says Dr Emmanuel.
Non allergic rhinitis or vasomotor rhinitis
Vasomotor rhinitis, also known as non-allergic rhinitis, is a common condition characterised by sneezing, a runny nose, and nasal congestion. One of the most noticeable symptoms of vasomotor rhinitis is morning sneezing.
“Vasomotor rhinitis occurs when the blood vessels in the nose become overly sensitive and constrict. This can cause a sudden increase in nasal congestion and lead to a bout of sneezing,” says Dr Ravi Bhatia, director, ENT and Cochlear Implant, Sarvodaya Hospital, Faridabad.
“The cause of this can be related to various factors, such as temperature fluctuations, hormonal changes, and certain medications,” says Dr Emmanuel.
One should not step out or open the windows immediately after waking up, says Dr Emmanuel. “Try to avoid strong smells like perfumes as soon as you get up. Additionally, it is important to avoid triggers that can worsen the symptoms, such as tobacco smoke, and air pollution,” Bhatia says.
Sinusitis
Sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinuses which can cause morning sneezing. “When someone has sinusitis, their sinuses can swell up overnight, making them sneeze when they wake up,” says Dr Meda. The frequency can be reduced by using nasal drops and a saline rinse to cleanse the sinuses.
Change in temperature and humidity
Changes in temperature and humidity can also cause morning sneezing. “When one goes from a warm place to a cool place or vice-versa, their nasal passages can become dry and irritated and trigger nerves causing them to sneeze,” says Dr Meda.
To reduce the frequency of morning sneezing due to temperature changes, it is advised to keep one’s house or surroundings at a consistent temperature.
