What is Achoo syndrome?

What is Achoo syndrome?

Autosomal Dominant Compelling Helioopthalmic Outburst (ACHOO) Syndrome is characterized by uncontrollable sneezing in response to the sudden exposure to bright light, typically intense sunlight (1). This type of sneezing is also known as photic sneezing.

What happens to people with Achoo syndrome?

The photic sneeze reflex (also known as Autosomal Dominant Compelling Helio-Ophthalmic Outburst (ACHOO) syndrome or photosneezia, from the Greek φῶς, phōs, “light” and colloquially sun sneezing) is a reflex condition that causes sneezing in response to numerous stimuli, such as looking at bright lights or periocular ( …

Is Achoo Syndrome Real?

The Achoo syndrome is also called the photic sneeze reflex or the helio-ophthalmic outburst syndrome. The syndrome is much more common than has been generally recognized. In one study it was found in 23% of medical students. The syndrome is one of the most frequent of all known genetic traits.

Can Achoo syndrome be cured?

There is no cure for ACHOO syndrome, but reducing your exposure to sudden changes in light intensity can help. In particular, doctors recommend wearing sunglasses or a hat to shield your eyes.

Is it normal to sneeze 15 times in a row?

As for the mega-sneezer—that person in your office who always seems to sneeze 15 times in a row—it may mean his or her sneezes just don’t pack the same punch as yours. “Depending on how her nerves are hardwired, it may mean her sneezes are not as forceful to expel whatever is irritating her,” says Zacharias.

What are the causes of frequent sneezing?

Sneezing can be due to:

• Allergy to pollen (hay fever), mold, dander, dust.
• Breathing in corticosteroids (from certain nose sprays)
• Common cold or the flu.
• Drug withdrawal.
• Triggers such as dust, air pollution, dry air, spicy foods, strong emotions, certain medicines, and powders.

Why do I sneeze 15 20 times in a row?

There is a little-known condition called photic sneeze reflex, or autosomal compelling helio-ophthalmic outburst (ACHOO) syndrome. It occurs in response to certain stimuli: for example, when you are first exposed to bright light after your eyes have adjusted to the dark.

What does Achoo stand for in medical terms?

The ACHOO syndrome, standing for autosomal dominant compelling heliopthalmic outburst syndrome, is an inherited condition where a person will involuntarily sneeze after seeing a bright light. A person with this condition will sneeze multiple times, and in rare cases may sneeze 30-40 times.

How many people in the world have ACHOO syndrome?

Approximately 18-35% of the population is affected by ACHOO. Unfortunately, the exact mechanisms behind the syndrome are not well understood. ACHOO is a dominant hereditary trait, one that causes a person to sneeze – possibly many times in a row, when they are suddenly exposed to bright light.

What are the signs and symptoms of ACHOO syndrome?

Signs and symptoms. The prominent symptom of people with the ACHOO syndrome is sudden, involuntary sneezing when they see a bright light or sunlight. The way in which sneezing is triggered is not very well understood, but there are several theories that attempt to explain the syndrome.

Can a person with ACHOO syndrome remove the needle?

The violent and uncontrollable movement of the head during a reflexive sneeze may potentially cause damage within the person’s eye if the needle is not removed before the sneeze happens. At this time there is no definitive way to cure the sneezing bouts brought on by ACHOO syndrome.