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How to Make Yourself Sneeze on Reddit: A Comprehensive Guide

So, you’re trying to trigger a sneeze on Reddit, eh? The good news is, the internet is a treasure trove of anecdotal evidence and curious theories on how to induce that satisfying ACHOO! The bad news? What works for one Redditor might leave you feeling… perfectly unsneezed. Essentially, making yourself sneeze is all about irritating your nasal passages or triggering the trigeminal nerve, which controls sneezing. Common techniques discussed on Reddit include tickling the nose with a feather or tissue, looking at bright lights (the photic sneeze reflex), sniffing pepper, plucking eyebrows, or even thinking about sneezing intensely. Remember, though, proceed with caution and listen to your body.

The Reddit Sneeze-Inducing Compendium

Reddit is a fascinating ecosystem of shared experiences and self-experimentation, and the topic of triggering sneezes is no exception. Users have shared a myriad of methods, ranging from the plausible to the downright bizarre. Let’s dissect some of the most commonly cited techniques and explore why they might (or might not) work.

The Olfactory Route: Pepper, Spices, and Irritants

One of the most frequently mentioned approaches involves introducing an irritant to the nasal passages. Sniffing pepper, particularly freshly ground black pepper, is a classic Reddit favorite. The piperine in pepper irritates the nasal mucosa, potentially triggering the sneeze reflex. Other reported olfactory triggers include:

Strong spices: Chili powder, cumin, and other pungent spices have been known to work for some.
Essential oils: Eucalyptus, peppermint, or tea tree oil, when inhaled cautiously, can stimulate the nasal passages.
Vinegar: A quick whiff of vinegar, especially apple cider vinegar, has also been mentioned.

Caution: Be extremely careful when introducing irritants to your nose. Start with tiny amounts and avoid inhaling too deeply. Excessive irritation can be harmful.

The Photic Sneeze Reflex: Sunlight and Bright Lights

A significant portion of the population (estimated to be between 18% and 35%) experiences the photic sneeze reflex, also known as sun sneezing. This involves sneezing when exposed to bright light, particularly sunlight. The exact mechanism behind this phenomenon isn’t fully understood, but it’s believed to involve a miswiring between the optic nerve and the trigeminal nerve.

Looking directly at the sun (briefly and cautiously!): This is the classic trigger, but remember to protect your eyes.
Moving from a dark room to bright sunlight: The sudden change in light intensity can initiate a sneeze.
Looking at artificial bright lights: Some individuals report sneezing when exposed to halogen lamps or other intense artificial light sources.

Disclaimer: Never stare directly at the sun for prolonged periods. Doing so can cause serious eye damage.

The Mechanical Approach: Tickling and Stimulation

Another popular method involves physically stimulating the nasal passages. The goal is to trigger the trigeminal nerve endings, which are responsible for the sneeze reflex.

Tickling the nose with a feather or tissue: Gently inserting a feather or twisted tissue into the nostril and tickling the nasal lining can be effective.
Plucking an eyebrow hair: Surprisingly, some Redditors swear by plucking an eyebrow hair to induce a sneeze. The theory is that the nerve endings around the eyebrow are connected to the trigeminal nerve.
Massaging the bridge of the nose: Applying gentle pressure and massaging the bridge of the nose can sometimes stimulate the sneeze reflex.

Warning: Be gentle when stimulating your nasal passages. Avoid inserting objects too far or applying excessive force.

The Power of Suggestion: Thinking Yourself into a Sneeze

While it might sound far-fetched, some individuals claim they can will themselves to sneeze by focusing intensely on the sensation of needing to sneeze. This approach likely relies on a combination of psychological factors and subtle physical cues.

Imagining an itchy nose: Vividly picturing the feeling of an itchy nose can sometimes trigger a sneeze.
Focusing on the pre-sneeze sensation: Paying close attention to the tingling or tickling sensation that precedes a sneeze can amplify the effect.
Repetitive sounds: Repeating the “achoo” sound in your head or even out loud might help initiate the sneeze reflex.

Note: This method is highly subjective and may not work for everyone.

Other Reported Sneeze-Inducing Techniques

Reddit is filled with other anecdotal accounts of successful sneeze-inducing strategies, including:

Chewing mint gum: The menthol in mint gum can sometimes irritate the nasal passages.
Drinking carbonated beverages: The bubbles can stimulate the nasal lining.
Cold air: Exposure to a sudden blast of cold air can sometimes trigger a sneeze.

Important: Always exercise caution and listen to your body when trying to induce a sneeze. If you experience any discomfort or adverse reactions, stop immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is it safe to try to make myself sneeze?

Generally, yes, most of the techniques described are considered safe when performed cautiously and in moderation. However, be extremely careful when introducing irritants to your nose. Avoid inserting objects too far, applying excessive force, or staring at the sun for prolonged periods. If you have any underlying health conditions, such as asthma or allergies, consult with your doctor before attempting to induce sneezing.

2. Why do I want to sneeze but can’t?

This frustrating phenomenon is common. It often happens when your nasal passages are mildly irritated but not quite enough to trigger a full sneeze. Trying some of the techniques mentioned above, such as sniffing pepper or tickling your nose, might help push you over the edge.

3. Does plucking eyebrow hairs really work?

Anecdotal evidence suggests it does for some people. The theory is that nerve endings around the eyebrow are connected to the trigeminal nerve, which controls sneezing. However, scientific evidence is lacking.

4. What is the photic sneeze reflex?

The photic sneeze reflex (or sun sneezing) is the tendency to sneeze when exposed to bright light, particularly sunlight. It’s believed to be caused by a miswiring between the optic nerve and the trigeminal nerve.

5. Why does pepper make me sneeze?

Piperine, a component of pepper, irritates the nasal mucosa, triggering the sneeze reflex.

6. Can I become immune to the sneeze-inducing effects of pepper?

It’s possible to develop a tolerance to the sneeze-inducing effects of pepper with repeated exposure. However, this is not always the case, and individual responses vary.

7. Are there any medical conditions that can make it harder to sneeze?

Some medical conditions, such as nasal congestion due to allergies or colds, can make it harder to sneeze. Certain medications can also suppress the sneeze reflex.

8. Is it possible to stop a sneeze once it’s started?

Yes, some people can stop a sneeze by pinching their nose, pressing on their upper lip just below the nose, or taking a deep breath and holding it. However, these methods are not always effective.

9. Why do I sometimes sneeze multiple times in a row?

Multiple sneezes are often triggered by persistent irritants in the nasal passages. The initial sneeze may not be sufficient to clear the irritant, leading to subsequent sneezes.

10. Is sneezing good or bad for you?

Sneezing is a natural and beneficial reflex that helps clear irritants and pathogens from the nasal passages. However, forceful sneezing can sometimes cause minor injuries, such as nosebleeds.

11. Can holding in a sneeze be harmful?

While rare, holding in a sneeze can potentially cause minor injuries, such as ruptured blood vessels in the eye or ear. It’s generally best to let the sneeze happen, but cover your mouth and nose to prevent the spread of germs.

12. What are some other weird ways people try to make themselves sneeze?

Reddit is full of bizarre suggestions! Some examples include:

Thinking about spiders (apparently the disgust can trigger it)
Scratching the roof of their mouth with their tongue
Listening to specific types of music

Ultimately, the effectiveness of these methods is highly subjective and unverified.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before attempting any new health-related practices.