Why Do I Feel Nauseous Before I Sneeze? Underlying Causes & Tips

Understanding Nausea Before Sneezing

It's a common experience - you feel that tickle building up in your nose signaling an impending sneeze, when suddenly you also feel a wave of nausea. This unpleasant sensation leaves you wondering: why do i feel nauseous before i sneeze?

Nausea before sneezing is a mysterious phenomenon that many people report experiencing. Yet, despite how often this happens, the underlying reasons behind it are not very well understood.

Proposed Explanations for Nausea Before Sneezing

There are a few theories that aim to explain why people frequently feel sick to their stomach in the moments leading up to a sneeze.

• Stimulation of the vagus nerve - The vagus nerve runs from the brainstem down to the abdomen, controlling functions like digestion and heart rate. Some research suggests that the nerve signals involved in triggering a sneeze may also incidentally stimulate the vagus nerve, leading to nausea.
• Physical movement - The physical movements involved in taking a deep breath and tensing up before sneezing may shift organs around enough to induce nausea.
• Evolutionary response - One evolutionary theory posits that feeling sick when sneezing was a protective adaptation against inhaling harmful irritants, triggering vomiting to expel them.

Factors That May Contribute to Nausea Before Sneezing

While researchers are still investigating why exactly nausea can accompany the need to sneeze, some factors are believed to play a role in making someone more prone to experiencing this.

• Genetics - Susceptibility to nausea before sneezing may be inherited.
• Hormonal changes - Nausea and vomiting triggers can change during hormonal fluctuations with menstruation, pregnancy, etc.
• Empty stomach - Sneeze-related nausea seems more common when your stomach is empty.
• Anxiety - Those with anxiety disorders appear disproportionately vulnerable to nausea from sneezing.

When to Worry About Nausea and Sneezing

While feeling sick to your stomach before or while sneezing is generally harmless, certain accompanying symptoms warrant medical evaluation:

• Fever
• Headache
• Eye pain
• Ear pain
• Stroke-like collapse
• Seizures

Experiencing sneeze-related nausea along with these red flag symptoms could signal something more serious like an infection, neurological issue, or other underlying condition.

What Causes Sneezing?

To understand what's behind that nauseating pre-sneeze feeling, it helps to first look at what triggers sneezing itself.

The Physiology Behind Sneezing

Sneezing occurs when irritants in the nose trigger a biological chain reaction:

1. Nerve endings detect foreign particles, transmitting signals to the brain stem.
2. The brain stem reflexively activates the sneeze "command center."
3. Signals tell facial muscles to halt breathing, close eyes and mouth, release tension, then forcefully expel air.
4. The powerful muscular contractions and rush of expelled air produce the characteristic "achoo!" of sneezing.

Common Triggers Causing Sneeze Reflex

What types of irritants activate this involuntary sneeze reflex? Some top sneeze triggers include:

• Dust
• Smoke
• Strong odors
• Sudden temperature changes
• Strong lights
• Pollen, pet dander, molds (for people with allergies)
• Foreign particles
• Nasal mucus
• Respiratory infections

When these sneeze-inducing particles hit nerve cells in the mucous membranes lining the nose and sinuses, signals shoot to the brain stem, setting off a sneeze within milliseconds.

Fun Facts and Health Benefits of Sneezing

While no one enjoys nausea, sneezing itself offers some fascinating fun facts and health perks!

Interesting Sneeze Facts

• Sneezes can exceed 100 mph and spray germs over 20 feet!
• It's impossible to sneeze with your eyes open.
• Pepper doesn't directly trigger sneezing, but irritates nerves.
• The longest sneezing fit lasted 978 days.
• Some people sneeze when full after eating, emerging into sunlight, or feeling sexually aroused.

Surprising Health Benefits of Sneezing

Alongside fun trivia, science shows us that sneezing actually has useful health functions:

• Removes irritants - Sneezing forcefully eliminates mucus, germs, and foreign particles from nasal passages and lungs.
• Triggers immune response - A sneeze sends lysozyme enzymes into mucus, attacking cell walls of bacteria and viruses.
• Cleanses nasal lining - The wide spray of expelled droplets washes away infectious agents clinging to the nostril lining.
• Prevents infections - By rapidly eliminating these disease-causing organisms, sneezing disrupts their ability to multiply, limiting infections.

So while bewildering, feeling nauseated before sneezing likely serves a biological purpose. Sneezing also benefits health in many ways expected and unexpected!

Managing Nausea Before the Next Sneeze

If you frequently battle bouts of nausea preceding sneezes, are there ways to prevent this distressing sensation?

Strategies to consider include:

Have a Light Meal Beforehand

Since sneeze-related nausea seems linked to periods of fasting, eat a small, low-fat snack to keep blood sugar stable.

Stay Hydrated

Dehydration exacerbates nausea, so drink enough fluids, especially if combating illness.

Take Slow, Deep Breaths

Use pursed lip breathing to gently relax the vagus nerve, preventing sudden signals that unsettle the stomach.

Distract Yourself

Engage your mind reading or playing games to direct focus away from physical sensations of nausea.

Apply a Cold Compress

Place an ice pack or wet washcloth on the neck or forehead to alleviate acute nausea.

While more research on sneeze-related nausea is warranted, hopefully these practical tips minimize discomfort until scientists uncover more definitive answers behind this peculiar phenomenon!

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.