Effective Methods to Force Stop a Sneeze and Prevent Sneezing

How to Force Stop an Impending Sneeze

While sneezing is a natural biological response, sometimes you might need to take action to inhibit it immediately. Here are some tried and true methods that you can use to stop a sneeze in its tracks:

Methods to Force Stop an Impending Sneeze

Catch the Part of Your Nose and Stretch It

Catch the part of your nose above the tip and stretch it as if you are removing your nose out of your face. Ensure it is not painful, simply stretch your cartilage to stop the sneeze.

Blow Your Nose

Use a tissue and blow your nose when you feel a sneeze coming on. This will clear your sinuses of what caused the sneeze in the first place.

Pinch Your Upper Lip

Pinch your upper lip lightly using your thumb and forefinger, press it upward toward your nostrils. Your thumb should head toward one nostril and your forefinger toward the other, bunching up your upper lip slightly.

Use Your Tongue

Place your tongue behind your two front teeth where the roof of your mouth meets the gum palate or alveolar ridge. Press hard with your most powerful muscles against your teeth until the tickling sensation dissipates.

Stop Drop and Wait

Another method is to find a small table and hold your face about 1 inch (2.5 cm) from the top of the table, sticking out your tongue. This should cause the sneeze to subside naturally. This can take up to 5 to 7 seconds. If it doesn’t work, at least those around you might find it amusing!

Get Ticklish

Tickle the roof of your mouth with the tip of your tongue when you feel the sneeze coming on. Continue this until the urge to sneeze dissipates. This typically takes 5 to 10 seconds.

Distract Yourself with Your Hands

Spread the thumb of one hand away from the fingers. Using the sharp edges of the nails on the thumb and index finger of your other hand, pinch the flap of skin between the spread thumb and the fingers.

Grab the Spot Between Your Eyebrows

This is a pressure point that can stop a headache and sometimes a sneeze too. Use your thumb and forefinger to pinch between your eyebrows until you feel substantial pressure.

Pinch Under Your Nose

With the side of your forefinger, hold it horizontally beneath your eyes and press into the cartilage on your nose just beneath the bone of the bridge of your nose. This will pinch one of the nerves involved in triggering a sneeze.

Put Light Pressure on Your Ears

Wiggle your earlobe gently as you feel a sneeze coming on. This can be masked as looking like you are playing with an earring or something, if you are stifling a public sneeze.

Force Someone Else's Sneeze with an Absurd Comment

If you see someone about to sneeze or if they state that they feel a sneeze coming on, say something absurd. The brain might focus on the absurdity instead of the sneeze.

Get Angry

Clench your teeth together and try to stick out your tongue, using the muscles to push against the back of your front teeth. Push as hard as you can! The stimulation might stop the sneeze from materializing.

Use Black Seed (Black Cumin)

Take a handful, wrap it in a cloth, and roll it in your hand to break it up a little bit. Hold this next to your nose and inhale it for a few breaths. Your sneezing should clear right up!

Preventing Sneezing Oftener

While it's not always possible to completely stop sneezing, there are ways to reduce its frequency. Here are tips to help you manage your sneezing:

Prevent Snatiation

Snatiation is a legitimate medical disorder causing uncontrollable sneezing after eating a large meal. To avoid it, try not to overeat. It's a backronym for 'Sneezing Non-controllably At a Time Of Indulgence of the Appetite—a Trait Inherited and Ordained to be Named'. If you experience this, monitor your eating habits and reduce the size of your meals.

Photic Sneeze Reflex

If you sneeze in bright lights, you might have Photoptarmosis, also known as the photic sneeze reflex, which affects 18-35% of people. You can treat it with antihistamines if necessary. Wear sunglasses, especially polarized ones, or scarves to protect your eyes from bright lights and the sun.

Prepare in High-Sneeze-Risk Environments

When entering environments with a high sneeze risk, take precautions. Keep a tissue nearby and wet your nostrils to prevent a sneezing fit. Take a shower and change clothes after being outside to remove potential allergens.

Keep Allergens at Bay

If your sneezing is due to environmental factors, take steps to reduce your exposure to allergens. Keep your windows and doors closed, and get on antihistamines to prevent coughing, runny nose, and itchy eyes.

Sneeze Habits for Health and Safety

When you sneeze, remember to do so healthily and safely:

Sneeze Healthily

When around others, avoid spreading harmful bacteria by sneezing into a tissue and disposing of it immediately. If no tissue is available, sneeze into the inside of your elbow or wrist. Always wash your hands after sneezing, and carry hand sanitizer if you don’t have access to water.

Sneeze Politely

In a group, sneeze as discreetly as possible to avoid disrupting the flow. Sneeze into your elbow, or if that’s not an option, use a tissue and tilt your head down to sneeze quietly.

Sneeze Safely

If you have a broken rib or other physical discomfort in your core, a sneeze can be painful. Before sneezing, exhale as much air from your lungs as you can to reduce pressure and pain. If anything in your body hurts, avoid sneezing to prevent further discomfort or injury.