Sneezing
Sneezing
Sneezing (pronunciation: /ˈsniːzɪŋ/) is a semi-autonomous, convulsive expulsion of air from the lungs through the nose and mouth, usually caused by foreign particles irritating the nasal mucosa.
Etymology
The term "sneeze" originated from the Old English "fneosan", which is of Germanic origin. It is related to the Dutch "niezen" and the German "niesen".
Causes
Sneezing is usually triggered when the mucous membranes of the nose or throat are irritated. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Allergies
- Common cold
- Influenza
- Drug withdrawal
- Exposure to bright light (known as the photic sneeze reflex)
Process
The process of sneezing involves the contraction of several muscles and the pressure of air in the lungs. When a foreign particle irritates the nasal mucosa, a signal is sent to the sneezing center in the brain. This signal triggers the deep breath, closure of the eyes, and the powerful release of air through the nose and mouth.
Related Terms
- Achoo syndrome: Also known as the photic sneeze reflex, this is a condition that causes sneezing in response to numerous stimuli, such as looking at bright lights or periocular (surrounding the eyeball) injection.
- Sternutation: This is the medical term for the act of sneezing.
- Antihistamines: These are drugs that treat allergic rhinitis and other allergies, often by preventing sneezing.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Sneezing
- Wikipedia's article - Sneezing
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