History
Sneezing has been given different meanings over time, there is, for example, that if there was once a wish is fulfilled, twice, and will receive a kiss three times, would send a letter. Also, if presented before breakfast was possible for a stranger or acquaintance came home, and twice during three consecutive nights, allegedly foretold that she would soon die a member of the family.
In some ancient cultures like Greece and Rome, were believed to be produced by sneezing empty head and soul or even that evil spirits are expelled from the body, therefore, tended to respond to affected: “lives” and “save” to try mitigate the possible consequences. It is said that Pope Gregory III (731-741) introduced the phrase “God bless you” to protect those who sneezed from the dangers of the disease and, subsequently, the prevailing fashion exclaim “Jesus” to frighten the evil today, it is customary to say “health”, so you want the person recovers quickly. These responses are caused by superstition persists to this day as signs of good manners.
However, seen in its essence, sneezing refers to violent expulsion of air and sound through nostrils and mouth, which aims to clear the airways, for example, when a cloud of dust blowing in his face, inhaling chemicals, or to suffer cold, flu, allergies, rhinitis, sinusitis and influenza, as the nerve endings suffer irritation of the nose. In the case above, immediately send impulses to the brain stem, a structure that in turn sends a signal to the chest muscles, which push air into lungs, closing the pharynx, the air immediately shoots for a nose and mouth, thus generating sneezing. The following describes the conditions that cause it.
Catarrh. Nose and throat infection caused by different and numerous viruses that sometimes involves the large airways, such as pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi and lungs and is characterized by its simple infection and inflammation of mucous membranes. It manifests with sneezing, mild fever, runny nose, nasal congestion and fatigue, that decrease with analgesics, antipyretics and nasal decongestants.
Influenza. Common respiratory tract infection and throat caused by a virus, is much stronger than a cold (cold) and is characterized by runoff and cause nasal congestion, cough, sore throat, head and joints, sneezing, fever, watery eyes and hoarse voice . To control symptoms is recommended to use a flu, analgesic, antipyretic, nasal decongestant and cough suppressant.
Allergies. Negative reaction of the immune system and exaggerated (the one that defends the body against infection) when they enter the body to substances that it recognizes as dangerous. These are introduced by eating certain foods or medications, inhalation or through skin, causing the occurrence of the substance histamine, primarily responsible for the itching, sneezing, nasal obstruction, watery eyes, hives, dizziness and headache, among other symptoms. In these cases it is best given antihistamines and nasal decongestants, and avoids contact with elements that are sensitive.
Rhinitis. Inflammation of the membranes lining the nose characterized by causing sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, among the causes are allergies, inhalation of dust, pollen and irritants, and eating hot or spicy. To relieve symptoms you can use antihistamines and nasal decongestants.
Sinusitis. Condition that causes an inflammation of sinuses (cavities located in the bones that are around eyes and nose), which when damaged prevent the air you breathe to warm, moisten and filter also appears difficult to vocalize certain sounds . Accordingly, it presents excessive accumulation of thick secretions and bacteria, fever, cough, fatigue, nasal congestion, sensation of swelling in his face, as well as headaches and teeth, bleeding, malaise, loss of smell, and hoarseness.
Current treatments aim to cure the infection and clearing secretions from the sinuses, which is accomplished by administering various medications for a period between 10 and 14 days, but in some cases can last 3 or 4 weeks. Although drugs can relieve and prevent sinusitis is present again, in many cases required surgery to remove nasal obstruction, which must be followed by clinical monitoring. This type of surgery involves washing sinuses or make a hole to drain the mucus, allow ventilation and extract diseased tissue.
Influenza. Borne infection Myxovirus influenza virus, which resides in the intestines of birds, especially waterfowl (ducks, for example) so that when your stool comes into contact with the environment is hosted on other animals which in transmits it to humans. You can present the same symptoms of the flu, but the passing of the hours the fever and headaches, muscular chest and become more intense, plus there is weakness and exhaustion that can last up to three weeks. It is recommended rest, analgesics and antipyretics, which decrease the discomfort in the patient.
To prevent the above necessary conditions to avoid exposure to sudden changes in temperature and allergy-causing elements, keep warm in cold weather and keep balanced diet, which can be supported with nutritional supplements and multivitamins.
There are many misconceptions about sneezing and some practices which, by custom or tradition, continue to this day, for example believing that one can promote their appearance when exposed to light, highly subjective assessment that is not scientifically proven.
Finally, note that, regardless of cause, should never try to stop a sneeze, because by closing the lips or nose press pressure can be created in the mouth and throat, forcing a bacteria or dust to enter mucous cavities of the sinuses, Eustachian tubes or ears which, consequently, can cause severe infection.
Tags: allergies, catarrh, influenza, prevention of sneezing, Rhinitis, sinusitis, Sneezing, sneezing history, What caused sneezing
