Random Fact: Sun-Sneezer


For as long as I can remember everytime I've walked outside into the sun I've sneezed.  Everytime!  And it can get a little old.


I recently remembered to Google "why do I sneeze in the sun".  The answer: photic sneeze reflex also known as achoo syndrome.
"Photic sneeze reflex is an autosomal dominant hereditary trait which causes sneezing (due to naso-ocular reflex) when suddenly exposed to bright light, possibly many times consecutively. The condition affects 18-35% of the human population." [via]
My mom always told me there was a name for what I had, but I never remembered to look it up until just the other day.  Now I feel better knowing what it's called so when someone asks or makes a comment then I can tell them why I sneeze.

"The number of successive sneezes is usually 2 or 3, but can be up to about 40." [via] Luckily, I only sneeze 2 or 3 times everytime. I don't know what I would do if it was more than that.

Another random fact: everytime I sneeze I get the goosebumps.  Hubs thinks I'm the weirdest person ever.  Which I have to admit, I am quite weird.

Anyone else have the achoo syndrome or am I alone here?  Share a random fact about yourself with me!

14 comments on "Random Fact: Sun-Sneezer"

WannabeMom wrote: June 25, 2010 at 7:03 AM

Love this! I'm a sun sneezer too. I used to joke that I was allergic to the sun. Typically I sneeze 3-4 times and they're LOUD lol. For a small girl I have a large sneeze :)


Michelle wrote: June 25, 2010 at 7:19 AM

I am not a sun sneezer. But I am a multiple sneezer, always 5-6 sneezes at a time...and I get goosebumps too :)


Courtney wrote: June 25, 2010 at 7:24 AM

I get goosebumps too after I sneeze lol


Stephanie wrote: June 25, 2010 at 8:42 AM

My husband does this too. So every time we walk outside and it’s sunny I automatically just say bless you, then he doesn’t sneeze (most of the time). It drives him crazy but I think it’s funny. He he


Anonymous wrote: June 25, 2010 at 9:25 AM

My best friend Mike is a sun sneezer! He always makes me try it but it doesn't work for me.


Kristi {at} Live and Love...Out Loud wrote: June 25, 2010 at 9:36 AM

I've never heard of that! Wow, I learned something new today. lol Okay so here's a random fact about me: When I was pregnant with my first child I developed Bell's Palsy which is paralysis of one side of the face. It was terrible. I looked like I'd had a stroke. In fact the doctor's were worried that I had. All in all, it took about 7 months to go away. And thank goodness it did. lol Have a great weekend Kaitlin. :)

Kristi, Live and Love...Out Loud
@TweetingMama


Nikus wrote: June 25, 2010 at 10:31 AM

I love the name! I have done this on and off. I have one friend who whenever he sneezes it is a minimum of 15 times....minimum EVERY time. It is hysterical!


Amaprincess wrote: June 25, 2010 at 12:09 PM

I hate sneezing...especially the ones that hurt! I always look up at the light...I was taught to do that when I was younger, something about the bad spirits escaping?!?!


Welcome wrote: June 25, 2010 at 1:06 PM

Kaitlin, I see the writer's block is gone --- that's awesome and this happens to me too.. I didn't know there was an actual name for it though..

XOXO
Kiki


Anonymous wrote: June 25, 2010 at 5:15 PM

I'm definitely a sun sneezer. And I live in Florida, so that's a problem. :)


Whitney wrote: June 26, 2010 at 7:24 PM

Haha, how cute!! I don't think I have anything like that.

The only thing remotely interesting that happens to me is I have an allergic reaction to mosquito bites. One time, I got so many on my elbow and they swelled up so big, it looked like I had smallpox!


Jessica wrote: June 28, 2010 at 1:52 PM

i always sneeze while getting my eyebrows done. also i always sneeze after shaving my legs and it makes the hair come up so i dont have smooth legs anymore!


Jen @ After The Alter wrote: June 29, 2010 at 10:40 AM

I don't have the syndrome, but when I feel like I have to sneeze I ALWAYS look up to the sun and it helps me sneeze! I guess that's why!


Everly wrote: June 30, 2010 at 8:09 AM

I had some genetic testing done and it said that I probably have that sneeze thing, but I don't. It's funny because I never heard of it before my testing and then you mention that you have it.

(what would jen do)


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