Sneezing

An involuntary, sudden, forceful expulsion of air from the lungs through the nasopharynx and oropharynx, triggered by irritation of nasal mucosa and mediated by a brainstem sneeze center, serving to clear inhaled irritants or pathogens from the upper respiratory tract. Possible causes are allergens (pollen, dust mites, mold spores, and pet dander), viral Infection (colds, the flu, COVID-19), environmental irritants (dust, smoke, strong perfume, chemical fume, spicy food), temperature change, photic sneeze reflex (exposure to bright sunlight), medications (nasal corticosteroids, opioid drug withdrawal), or having a full stomach after a large meal (snatiation).