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Sneezing

Also called: Sneezing fits, allergic rhinitis, hay fever

Sneezing is the body's way of clearing the nose. It's most often caused by allergies or a cold. Allergies cause bouts of sneezing with a runny, itchy nose and watery eyes, often in certain seasons or around pets or dust. Sneezing itself is almost never serious.

Common causesAllergies, colds, irritants like dust or smoke
Usually serious?No
Get checked ifIt lasts weeks, keeps coming back, or affects sleep or daily life
If you think it's an emergency, call 911.Thinking about suicide? Call or text 988.

Overview

Sneezing happens when something irritates the lining of the nose. Allergies (hay fever) cause sneezing, an itchy nose, a runny nose, and itchy, watery eyes when you're exposed to pollen, dust mites, pet dander, or mold.

Colds usually cause sneezing for a few days along with a sore throat, stuffy nose, and cough. Some people sneeze from bright light, spicy food, or strong smells, which isn't harmful.

When to get medical care

Call 911Sneezing with swelling of the face or throat, or trouble breathing (possible severe allergic reaction).
Get care todaySneezing with high fever, trouble breathing, or wheezing.
See a doctor soonSneezing and runny nose that last more than 10 days or keep coming back. Allergy symptoms that affect your sleep or work. Symptoms that don't improve with over-the-counter allergy medicine. Nosebleeds or a blocked nose on one side.

Causes

Common causes include allergies to pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and mold, colds and other viral infections, and irritants like smoke, perfume, dust, and cold air. Other causes include non-allergic rhinitis, bright light (photic sneeze reflex), spicy food, and nasal decongestant overuse.

OwieClear has pages on 4 conditions that can cause sneezing. Each shows how soon to get care.

Common causes

Less likely causes

What you can do at home

  • Avoid your triggers. Keep windows closed during pollen season and pets out of the bedroom.
  • Rinse your nose with saline.
  • Wash bedding in hot water weekly to reduce dust mites.
  • Use an air purifier with a HEPA filter.
  • Shower and change clothes after being outside on high-pollen days.
  • Cover sneezes with a tissue or your elbow, and wash your hands.

Medicines

Antihistamines like cetirizine, loratadine, or fexofenadine and steroid nose sprays like fluticasone help allergy sneezing. Allergy shots or tablets may help long-term. Colds get better on their own.

At the doctor

The provider will figure out whether it's allergies, a cold, or something else.

Questions you may be asked

  • When sneezing happens and what triggers it
  • Itchy eyes, runny nose, or congestion
  • Seasonal pattern
  • Pets, dust, or work exposures
  • Medicines tried

The exam

An exam of the nose, eyes, and throat.

Tests

  • Usually no tests
  • Allergy skin or blood tests if needed

Prevention

You can reduce sneezing.

  • Avoid known allergens
  • Start allergy medicine before pollen season
  • Wash hands to avoid colds

Check your symptoms

Most symptoms have more than one possible cause. The symptom checker looks at all of your symptoms together, plus your age, and shows how soon to get care.

Start the symptom checker

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-13.