Comments on: Why I Sneeze in Sunlight

By: denise

denise — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 07:58:06 +0000

Ahah! My father and I both do this, but none of my siblings do, so apparently I’m the only one who inherited it from him. We both also HAVE to sneeze several times if we choke even the slightest. If something goes down the wrong pipe, we’ll choke and cough like most people, but then that will immediately be followed by at least 2 or 3 violent sneezes! Again, just my dad and I; none of my siblings. I wonder if those two are linked? Anyone else have to sneeze if they choke?

By: Ben

Ben — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 03:31:08 +0000

I’ve asked numerous doctors about this and could never get an answer. Thank you! This has been happening to me for a very long time. I am very light skinned and light blue eyed. I also live in Florida as the author does. One thing I’d like to add is that when I sneeze, a very bad headache follows that last for about half an hour to an hour. Does any have any ideas as to why that might happen? I always try to plug my nose so I don’t sneeze so I don’t get a headache. Thank you for the article!

By: pinay13

pinay13 — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 20:16:10 +0000

I’m a photic sneezer and glad to know I’m not alone. It doesn’t always occur when the sunlight hits my eyes. When it does, I sneeze twice then I’m all better. I wonder if it’s genetic?

By: snysctt

snysctt — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 20:06:13 +0000

I too have this issue. I have had since I can remember. I am 31 now, so it’s affected me for a long time. Interesting to know that it is now supported by science.

By: laura walker

laura walker — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 20:01:29 +0000

This totally happens to me! I have never met anyone else who it happens to, although my mom sneezes a lot but not from light! Thank you for this article! yay!

By: Graham Caulfield

Graham Caulfield — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 01:46:34 +0000

Always happened to me when I would catch the sunlight reflected off a window. No one would ever believe me. No I can drop off this mortal coil knowing the meaning of it all :>)

By: stine4115

stine4115 — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 05:07:07 +0000

Photic reflexist here – always. Its a hereditary thing, like being able to curl your tongue.

By: Mike Brown

Mike Brown — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 07:45:51 +0000

I do this as well. I just say it’s because I’m allergic to fresh air and need to go back inside where it’s safe.

I have computers, video games, the internet and books there.

By: Katie

Katie — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 02:29:36 +0000

I’m a photic sneezer too!
I think I’m the only one in my family though

By: FallenAnjel

FallenAnjel — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 23:35:33 +0000

My BF and son are photic sneezers. It’s obviously genetic, and I think it may be more of a male trait than a female trait. I noticed my son first do it around 2 or 3, then started researching it, then learned what it was. He just had a “sneezing fit” now, and he turned the light off and he stopped, LOL…

If I feel the urge to sneeze (from an irritant), I will look at the light and help it along. The reason it does this is exactly what the article says,.. your pupil is flooded w/ light, and the electrical impulse to the brain along the optic nerve is detected by the trigeminal nerve, and that’s what causes the sneeze.

Obviously, not everyone can do this, so there must be some variables as to how close the two nerves are to each other.