A sneeze is a sudden, forceful, involuntary burst of air through the nose and mouth.

See also:

• Allergen
• Allergic rhinitis
• Allergy to mold, dander, dust
• Allergy and asthma resources
• Common cold
• Vasomotor rhinitis

Sneezing is caused by irritation to the mucous membranes of the nose or throat. It can be very bothersome, but is generally not a sign of a serious problem.

• Allergy to pollen, mold, dander, dust (hay fever)
• Corticosteroid inhalation (from certain nose sprays)
• Drug withdrawal
• Nasal irritants such as dust and powders
• Virus infections (common cold, upper respiratory tract infections, the flu)

Avoiding exposure to the offending allergen is the best way to control sneezing caused by allergic diseases.

Tips to reduce your exposure: 

• Remove pets from the home to eliminate animal dander
• Change furnace filters
• Use air filtration devices to reduce pollen in the air
• Travel to areas with low pollen counts

In some cases, moving out of a residence with a mold spore problem may be necessary.

For sneezing not caused by an allergy, the problem will disappear when the underlying disorder is cured or treated.