Sneezing From Bright Light? You’re Not Alone!

By Tim Frisch, Guest Writer for Inpui.com

Odds are you know someone with this condition, they see a bright light and go into a sneezing fit, maybe even you have it. This condition; though untreatable currently, is benign. Some conditions may vary depending on how strong your genetic disorder may have developed.

Of those who have the disease, nearly 70% of them are female. Meaning finding a male photic sneezer is rare. Also; you cannot pass the gene on to a child if one of the parents does not already have it.

Although scientists are unsure of how this genetic defect, or quite possibly the evolutionary process, of this disease came about – what we do know is how it is caused.

Inside of the human brain there are nerves that are constantly receiving signals from our senses, you know – touch, smell, sight, hearing, and taste. These senses are sometimes paired together, especially according to proximity of their receptors. Two of these sensual nerves; which all converge to the cortex of the brain, are the ocular (Eyesight nerves) and Nasal (Smelling nerves). In 30% of the human population, the eyesight and nasal nerves are all tangled up; try visualizing a bundle of computer wires all mixed up, odds are you all know what that looks like.

Since these cords are all tangled and mangled up, there occasionally occurs a mix up of the signals. Meaning when you sense a bright light, the signal may be misinterpreted by your brain as a message from your nose that something is bothering it.

Therefore; when you sneeze from the Photic Sneeze Reflex, it is because of a mixed signal.

The damage or harm from this can be varied from person to person, but it generally is nothing more than a minor nuisance. One thing you must take into account though; is operation of vehicles. There are many concerns for people who operate heavy and often delicate machinery or are pilots with this disease.

One particular worst-case scenario which has been thought of is a military pilot emerging through the clouds on an intense dog fight; only to be greeted by a bright sky or the sun. This would spell disaster if the pilot had Photic Sneeze Reflex and possibly cause his or her life.

To test whether or not you have the genetic disorder, just go outside during a bright day; look up into the clear blue sky (not directly into the sun – that’d just be stupid…) and try not to blink for a few seconds. If you have it, you will have a strong sense to sneeze or you will actually sneeze. On the other hand, if you don’t even flinch or it doesn’t bother you at all; you don’t have the condition.

However, 70% of you reading this will never get the joy of sneezing on command. For minority of you who do actually know what the heck I am talking about in this article; be careful. Enjoy your gift, as I like to call it, but remember that even if you won’t be harmed by it – it can still spread disease. Although it is quite honestly a lot of fun to show your friends how awesome it is to sneeze whenever you please, just cover your mouth or look away.

About the author: -Tim Frisch, a student at the University of Wisconsin Stout, has had Photic Sneeze Reflex since birth. He also is a contributor to PSCLife.com – a company dedicated to the betterment of health around the world.  PSCLife.com is also a leading retailer of Nutramax Laboratories' Cosamin ASU for sore joints and muscles.