Comments on: Why I Sneeze in Sunlight

By: Jose

Jose — Sat, 11 Jun 2011 02:03:06 +0000

It happens to me all the time when I go out in bright sunlight, especially if there’s a concrete floor or a very reflective surface. I thought I was like the only one who had this.

By: Kyhan

Kyhan — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 23:15:58 +0000

Neither parent of mine has this, and yet, both my brother and I have the trait. We sneeze in bright enough sunlight. I personally have sneezed 8 times on a single walk back from class on a sunny day.

I have met only two other people who, not only have heard of it, but were also “light sneezers” as I’ve heard it named. No one believed me that it existed until I’d actually sneeze “on command” to prove it. My natural light lamp sets me off constantly.

I had some friends who kept trying to make me sneeze at one point. They didn’t realize it needs to be brighter than a $2 flashlight, so all they would do is piss me off and shove a flashlight in my eye.

By: Megan

Megan — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 16:40:33 +0000

I do the same thing. I have never thought much about it. For me though its not just the sun, its light in general. I can look at a lightbulb and sneeze.

By: John Nicol

John Nicol — Sat, 05 Jun 2010 01:16:10 +0000

My partner is a multiple sneezer. It’s not always sun induced but moxt often is, especially on a first trip out of the house during the day. He usually averages from 7 to 10 with a gap of about 20 seconds between. I find myself counting them and having bets on how many will occur.

By: jesse

jesse — Tue, 18 May 2010 16:24:33 +0000

I get this all the time. My dad didn’t believe me so to prove it I looked near the sun and continually sneezed, about 40 times in fact. I think I could have sneezed forever, but he said he believed me so I stopped looking at the sun.

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!