8 surprising things in your home that make you sneeze
Find yourself sneezing up a storm at home? Here are eight unexpected things that could be triggering your “achoos”.
1. Scented candles/sprays/diffusers
A 2011 study found home fragrances – like candles, room sprays, and diffusers – are a common cause of respiratory allergies. If you’re particular susceptible, any strong scent or perfume can be a trigger for your sneeze.
2. Vacuuming
Not all vacuum cleaners suck up dust and particles properly. A badly maintained vacuum will dredge up dust and spread it around the home. Make sure you regularly clean your machine and change the bag when it’s three-quarters full. If the vacuum is too full, the suction is inhibited and won’t be able to effectively suck up that dust.
3. Open window
It might be cooling to prop open a window in the house, but the cold breeze could be responsible for the tickle in your nose. Cold air can irritate your nasal passage or stimulate the nerve running through your nose, both of which trigger sneezing.
4. Flowers
Indoor plants and flowers can produce pollen, which are irritating to sensitive noses. If you’re prone to sneezing, steer clear of strong-scented blossoms and try more neutral-smelling blooms for your next vase of flowers.
5. Sun-drenched rooms
It’s a strange phenomenon called “photic sneeze reflex” where light, particularly sunlight, causes some people to reflexively sneeze. Roughly one quarter of the population has this strange sneezing reflex, but its affects vary widely.
6. Bathmats
The damp conditions of bathmats is a haven for mould to grow. When the spores disperse in the air, it can cause sneezing. If you don’t already, make it a habit to wash your bathmat every week.
7. Soft toys
If you’ve got a box full of soft toys for when the grandkids are over it could be the culprit behind your sneezing fits. Dust mites are commonly found in furry toys so make sure to wash them occasionally, especially if they’ve been played with recently.
8. Air-conditioner/Heater
Your heating and cooling system is the perfect breeding ground for dust, mould and bacteria. When you switch the system on, all those sneeze-triggers will just fly into the air. Make sure you clean the filters, especially if you haven’t used it for months.
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