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Reflexive sneezing induced by light, and sunlight in particular, is estimated to occur in 18 to 35 percent of the population and is known as the photic sneeze reflex (PSR) or the ACHOO (autosomal dominant compulsive helio-ophthalmic outbursts of sneezing) syndrome. Its genetic nature has been known for at least the last 25 years; it is periodically discussed in the medical literature and lay press. Observations that emerging from dim light into sunlight or turning to face directly into the sun commonly triggers the reflex prompted early inquiries into the trait. The number of induced sneezes--which seems to be genetically mediated and can be predicted within a family--is constant from episode to episode and typically numbers two or three.
Some consequences of the PSR include danger to automobile drivers when emerging from dim light, such as a tunnel, into full sunlight, and disruption of outdoor group photos. More recently, reports in publications oriented to military medicine have noted the potential danger to pilots experiencing the PSR. In fact, studies conducted by the military revealed that the PSR is not mediated by specific wavelengths of light and thus cannot be mitigated by the use of filtering lenses; rather the investigators concluded that the PSR is induced by changes in light intensity. Others have not found flickering light to precipitate the PSR. Exactly how sunlight causes some people to sneeze remains unknown.
Wiki User
∙ 12y ago
Wiki User
∙ 12y agoi have no idea. I think it's
genetic because my grandfather and I both sneeze when we look at bright lights. Its not jus the sunlight, it's any bright light.
One theory I heard was that the bright light sneeze was a hang-over from our caveman days: emerging from a dirty cave into sunlight, a cave dweller would sneeze to clear his sinus passages, ensuring he could better sense game and/or danger.
Wiki User
∙ 9y agoThere are many reasons why sunlight makes you sneeze. You squint your eyes causing tension in your sinus cavity causing the sneeze.
Wiki User
∙ 11y agoIt is the dust which gets activated by the sun's energy which makes us sneeze.
Wiki User
∙ 12y agoThe photic sneeze reflex causes you to sneeze in response to various stimuli, including bright light. No one really knows why.
Wiki User
∙ 14y agoit's called photic sneeze reflex. it happens to 1/4 of people, mostly in caucasions. you wont be able to fly a combat plane if you have it.
Wiki User
∙ 14y agoThey sneeze into the sun because they just do.
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How long does it take in minutes to reach earth from the sun?
When traveling at the speed of light, about 8 minutes. When walking, alot longer.
What activities do people do in the sun?
There's a whole buttl oad of things that people do in the sun. From basketball, baseball, swimming, walking/jogging, horse back riding, motorcross, atv's, motorcycles, soccer, there are loads of things...
What happens if you sneeze in space?
the spray will fly around the ship And, being weightless, the force of your sneeze would most likely propel you backwards. For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.
What are the interactions between the sun and the moon?
It is my understanding that the sun and the moon are in an open relationship. I believe that their relationship started back in 2001 when the moon was walking home from a night working at a cabaret club. as the rain pelted down on her the sun, a kerb crawler, the sun pulled up and asked if she wanted to get in his car. she swiftly accepted and they moved to the position they are in today from then on. I hope this answer helps. Yours, Earth.
Why should vampires avoid the sun?
because it burns them and turns them to dust or in twilight they sparkle To add to the above answer, it depends what kinds of vampires we are talking about. The original folklore shows vampires had no need to avoid the sun, it did not burn them whatsoever, and in fact they were capable of walking in sunlight.
Potatos cccc cccc?
What you do is....... stand there and...... walk by and....... sneeze and....... keep walking.....
Why do you never sneeze just one time?
Some people only sneeze once. Like me but my sneeze is a scream. I sneeze from my throat so that is probably why I only sneeze once. When you sneeze it is normally because your nasal passages are filled with mucus and your body is trying to remove it. When you sneeze multiple times it is just a reaction. Have you noticed if someone tickles your nose or you look at the sun you sneeze? After one sneeze some people have that tickle feeling so they sneeze repeatedly.
When was Walking in the Sun created?
Walking in the Sun was created on 2004-10-18.
What is optic sneezes?
When a bright light, like the sun, makes you sneeze.
What is the name of the song that has lyrics You might as well be walking in the sun?
"Walking On the Sun" by Smashmouth
How do you sneeze on command?
Bright lights! Ever wak out into the sun and sneeze, it's a natural reaction to the light. Other than that maybe snorting/sniffing pepper.
Is it true that when ever you sneeze it is because ghosts are walking through you?
No, because if that were true pepper, pollen, and feathers would be haunted.
How does the sun bear travel?
walking
How doe sun bears travel?
walking
Does a walking liberty have a sun on the back?
The back of the Walking Liberty half dollar has an eagle on it. The sun is located on the front of the coin just left of Lady Liberty.
A rhyme denotes what happens when you sneeze on certain days of the week what happens on Tuesday?
If you sneeze on a Tuesday, you will kiss a stranger. The whole rhyme goes: If you sneeze on Monday, you sneeze for danger; Sneeze on a Tuesday, kiss a stranger; Sneeze on a Wednesday, sneeze for a letter; Sneeze on a Thursday, something better; Sneeze on a Friday, sneeze for sorrow; Sneeze on a Saturday, see your sweetheart to-morrow.
Why is a sneeze called a sneeze?
Because when you sneeze the sound you make is "SNEEZE!" ^No, it really isn't. I've not heard one person say "SNEEZE" when they sneeze, ever in my life. I've heard people say "Achoo", "Atishoo" and other ones, but never "SNEEZE".
