How To Make Yourself Sneeze: Effective Methods and Safety Tips

Few sensations are as universally familiar—and frustrating—as the urge to sneeze that simply won’t resolve. Sneezing helps your body clear out nasal irritants and maintain nasal health. Sometimes, though, you feel that itchy, ticklish sensation inside your nose, but relief eludes you. If you’re struggling with an incomplete sneeze and want quick solutions, this comprehensive guide presents scientifically-backed and practical ways to make yourself sneeze, plus important precautions and answers to common questions.

Why Do We Sneeze?

Sneezing is a protective reflex that expels irritants, allergens, or other particles from the nasal passages. The “sneeze reflex” involves stimulation of the trigeminal nerve within the nose, sending signals to the brain to trigger this involuntary action. Common triggers for sneezing include:

• Dust, pollen, or other allergens
• Strong odors or perfumes
• Sudden exposure to bright light
• Mechanical irritation (e.g., touching nasal tissues)
• Viral infections and illnesses

Sometimes, the trigger is present, but the sneeze doesn’t quite materialize. Thankfully, you can use various techniques to stimulate that reflex safely.

How To Make Yourself Sneeze: Proven Techniques

Whether you’re looking for relief from nasal congestion or simply want to experience the release of a good sneeze, the following methods can help you induce sneezing. Always prioritize safety—never use excessive force or insert foreign objects deep into the nostrils.

1. Tickle the Inside of Your Nose with a Tissue

This classic technique directly irritates the sensitive lining of your nasal passage:

• Roll a corner of a clean tissue into a point.
• Gently insert the tip just inside one nostril.
• Move it slowly back and forth to create a mild tickling sensation.

Important: Do not insert the tissue too far or use too much force, as this can cause discomfort, bleeding, or the tissue becoming stuck.

2. Look at a Bright Light (Photic Sneeze Reflex)

About one in three people experience the photic sneeze reflex—also known as ACHOO syndrome. If you’re susceptible:

• Step into a bright area or look at a bright artificial light after being in darkness.
• If the reflex is triggered, this may induce sneezing within seconds.

Warning: Do not look directly at the sun, as this risks permanent eye damage.

3. Sniff Strong Perfume or Fragrances

Dense scents and perfumes can irritate nasal nerves and trigger sneezing:

• Spray a fragrance into the air several feet away.
• Inhale carefully through the nose — do not sniff directly from the bottle or spray into your nostrils.

This method may cause sneezing in those sensitive to perfumes, but avoid overexposure to strong chemicals, which can cause lasting irritation.

4. Eat or Smell Spicy Foods and Spices

Certain spices, such as black pepper, cumin, or chili powder, contain compounds that irritate nasal passages:

• Pour a small amount of ground pepper or spices onto a plate.
• Bring the plate close and gently sniff (do not snort or inhale deeply).

Cooking with or eating spicy foods—particularly those containing capsaicin (found in chili peppers)—can also provoke a sneeze. However, avoid inhaling powdered spices directly to prevent burns or nasal inflammation.

5. Massage the Roof of Your Mouth with Your Tongue

Press your tongue against the roof of your mouth and move it back and forth. This subtle stimulation targets the nerves linked to your nasal passages and may help complete a pending sneeze.

6. Gently Rub the Bridge of Your Nose

Using your thumb and index finger, gently massage the bridge of your nose in a downward motion. This can stimulate the trigeminal nerve and, for some people, prompt a sneeze when the urge is already present.

7. Pluck a Nostril Hair or Eyebrow Hair

Painful, but effective in some situations:

• Plucking a single nostril hair directly stimulates the nerve endings inside your nose.
• Similarly, plucking an eyebrow hair can cause a mild reflex that sometimes results in sneezing, as this area also links to the trigeminal nerve.

This should be a last resort due to discomfort and risk of folliculitis (inflammation of the hair follicles) or infection.

8. Tickle the Outside of Your Nose

Gently brushing or stroking the skin just underneath your nose with a cotton swab or your finger can trigger a tickling sensation and provoke a sneeze, especially when a sneeze is on the verge of occurring.

9. Eat Dark Chocolate

Some people, especially those who don’t eat dark chocolate often, may find that eating dark chocolate with high cocoa content (>70%) quickly brings on a sneeze. This is thought to be a variant of the photic sneeze reflex, though the mechanism remains unclear.

10. Tilt Your Head Back

If you feel a sneeze “stuck,” try leaning your head back and looking upward. Sometimes, this position helps the sneeze reflex to complete by allowing irritants to trigger nerve endings more effectively.

11. Humming

Some find that gently humming with their mouth closed creates vibrations within the nasal passages, enough to dislodge an irritant or nudge a sneeze to completion.

Safety Precautions: What To Avoid

• Never insert long or sharp objects into your nostrils (even tissue tips should be used with caution).
• Do not spray perfume or other chemicals directly into your nose—this can cause serious irritation or chemical injury.
• Avoid inhaling powdered spices or ground irritants deeply; only gentle whiffs from a distance are safe.
• Plucking nose hairs should be a last resort; it can lead to bleeding, folliculitis, or infection.
• If you have a history of nosebleeds, nasal injuries, or nasal surgery, do not attempt to induce sneezes without medical advice.
• Do not attempt these methods with children, the elderly, or those with weakened immune systems unless guided by a healthcare provider.

Benefits of Sneezing

While typically considered a mere reflex, sneezing offers several health benefits:

• Cleans out foreign particles: Sneeze expels dust, germs, pollen, and debris from nasal passages.
• Protects respiratory tract: Reduces risk of irritants traveling deeper into the lungs.
• Relieves nasal irritation: Eases the uncomfortable feeling of a “stuck” sneeze impulse.

When Not to Make Yourself Sneeze

It’s important to understand that inducing sneezing is not always safe or appropriate. Avoid these techniques if you:

• Recently had nasal or sinus surgery
• Are prone to frequent nosebleeds
• Have nasal polyps or chronic sinusitis
• Have a respiratory infection with lots of mucus—induced sneezing can spread germs

If you’re unsure, consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Why do I sometimes sneeze when I look at bright lights?

A: This is called the photic sneeze reflex or ACHOO syndrome. It is a genetic trait that causes some people to sneeze when suddenly exposed to bright light.

Q: Is it safe to pluck nose hairs to make myself sneeze?

A: Plucking nose hairs does stimulate nerves and can trigger a sneeze, but it can also cause pain, bleeding, and increase infection risk. It should only be considered if no other method works—and infrequently.

Q: Can inducing sneezing harm my nose or sinuses?

A: Most methods are safe when performed gently. Avoid deep insertion, harsh chemicals, or excessive force which can cause tissue damage or nosebleeds.

Q: What if I feel like I need to sneeze but can’t, even after trying these tricks?

A: Sometimes the urge passes on its own. If persistent, consider using a nasal saline spray to clear irritants, or consult a healthcare provider if you’re frequently unable to sneeze despite feeling the urge.

Q: Why would I want to make myself sneeze?

A: If something is stuck in your nose or you feel an uncomfortable tickle that won’t resolve, sneezing can help expel the irritant and bring relief. It can also be a way to satisfy an incomplete sneeze reflex.

Summary: The Best Methods for Inducing a Sneeze Safely

• Try gentle mechanical stimulation with a tissue or finger.
• Gently sniff spices or inhale strong, safe fragrances.
• Eat spicy foods or dark chocolate if you’re not allergic or intolerant.
• Utilize natural reflexes by exposing yourself to bright light if you have the photic sneeze response.
• Use gentle massage techniques (bridge of nose, tongue on the palate) to stimulate the sneeze reflex.

If none of these work or if inducing sneezing causes discomfort or other issues, seek advice from a medical professional.

Author

Medha DebCommerce Editor

 

Medha Deb is a commerce editor with a master's degree in applied linguistics from the University of Hyderabad, which has allowed her to develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts. She specializes in the areas of beauty, health, and wellness and is committed to ensuring that the content on the website is of the highest quality.

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