Generally, when you sneeze, it is triggered by an irritant in your nose or caused by an infection. It is normal sneezing. But, when you sneeze multiple times in one go, it may not be normal sneezing. It could be autosomal dominant compelling helio ophthalmic outburst syndrome (ACHOO Syndrome).
What is ACHOO Syndrome?
ACHOO Syndrome, also referred to as Photic Sneeze Reflex and photosneezia, is a congenital autosomal dominant reflex and inherited condition in which an individual experiences successive and uncontrollable sneezing when coming into contact with bright light, such as sunlight. It could also happen due to other stimuli such as periocular injection. It seems like normal sneezing so identifying whether it is a normal sneezing or photic sneeze reflex is tough.
As per the studies, ACHOO Syndrome is a very common inherited condition that is found in around 18 to 35 percent of the world population which means every one in four individuals experiences ACHOO Syndrome. This is not a condition in which you need medical care, it is somewhat like a type of allergy. You need not worry much if you experience successive and uncontrollable sneezing when coming into contact with a bright light. However, in some cases where you are driving or riding, you may experience devastating consequences due to the photic sneeze reflex. You may also feel embarrassed if this happens during a corporate meeting or while you are in the public.
Possible Causes of ACHOO Syndrome
Studies did not have found proven causes behind autosomal dominant compelling helio ophthalmic outburst syndrome. Thus, the causes of the condition are unknown. However, several theories are published that explain the possible causes of ACHOO Syndrome.
A study conducted in 1995 explains that ACHOO syndrome is mainly found in those who have a family history in the same. If any of your parents start sneezing successively while coming into contact with bright light or other stimuli, you may also occur this. This study also found a connection between ACHOO syndrome and deviated nasal septum.
One theory explains that the optic nerve can be associated with ACHOO syndrome. A sudden change in the intensity of the light may stimulate this nerve, resulting in a sensation in the nose and triggering successive sneezes.
Another theory explains that it could be due to eye tears that come out due to bright light and the goes in the nose. The tears may trigger sensations in the nose, resulting in successive sneezing.
ACHOO syndrome does not necessarily get induced by bright light. It could also be induced by an injection given into the eyes, such as anesthesia.
Possible Treatments For ACHOO Syndrome
Since the causes behind autosomal dominant compelling helio ophthalmic outburst syndrome are unidentified and not clinically proven, there are no such treatment procedures or medications that can stop it. It is a harmless genetic condition as it does not hurt your health.
Many people use different techniques to avoid it. Some use sunglasses while going out in the sun while other utilizes scarves, hat, or umbrella to avoid the direct bright light. These techniques prove effective to stop photos sneezing reflex.
You might not need to meet a doctor for this genetic condition but you absolutely need to learn more about it so that you can avoid it somehow. Medical Algorithms website is the right place to find valuable information on the same.
