A bad smell from your sneeze usually means a buildup of infected mucus from a sinus infection (sinusitis), where bacteria or fungi thrive in stagnant fluid, creating foul odors like rotten eggs or fish; other causes can include nasal polyps, foreign objects (especially in kids), or rarely, liver/kidney issues if it smells like ammonia, requiring a doctor visit for diagnosis and treatment.
While an occasional sneeze with a scent isn't a cause for concern, a persistent or distinctive odor may point to an underlying health condition or dental issue. Four sneeze aromas to take note of include a sweet smell, a sour smell, a foul smell, or an ammonia-like smell.
The relaxation after any intense muscle contraction is pleasurable because it triggers the release of feel-good chemicals called endorphins – try this for yourself by squeezing your stomach muscles really tightly. A sneeze is also a response to an 'itch', and scratching an itch always brings relief.
Overpowering scents or odors can also irritate the airways and trigger a sneeze. Try smelling perfume, cologne, spices such as ground pepper, herbs, or scented candles. Sniffing hot, spicy food may also trigger a sneeze.
Sneezing is a common feature of upper respiratory infections such as colds. It is also present with allergic reactions. A strange smell or taste can be related to infections of the upper Airways or maybe a side effect of medications.
Sinuses become infected when small particles such as dust, pollen, or animal dander enter the nasal passages and become trapped. This can cause inflammation, which leads to a buildup of mucus and bacteria in the sinuses. As the bacteria and mucus accumulate, they produce a foul odor that can smell like rotten eggs.
Sneezing with a foul and fishy smell is likely related to a sinus infection. Fungal sinusitis is one of the most common causes of nasal discharge with a foul and fishy odor.
Sneezing 7 times in a row is a Biblical reminder to trust God. In 2 Kings 4:35, God resurrected the Shunammite's son, Elisha, who sneezed 7 times before he opened his eyes. When you sneeze 7 times, it may be a symbol of repentance. It's a sign that you are blessed by God, who has given humanity a new life.
The world record for the loudest sneeze in the world is held by a man in China, Yi Yang. His loudest sneeze is recorded as being 176 decibels. For context, an airhorn reaches volumes of 129 decibels, so that truly is a glass-shattering sneeze!
People with parosmia may be unable to experience the full range of scents in their environment. Or the odors they detect smell “wrong.” For instance, warm cookies from the oven — which smell sweet and delicious to most people — might smell unpleasant and rotten to people with parosmia.
While the physical act of sneezing is an involuntary biological reflex designed to expel irritants, the specific “achoo” sound is a socially learned behavior. Research indicates that hearing individuals unconsciously vocalize their sneezes to match cultural norms and the phonetics of their native language.
Urinary incontinence is the loss of bladder control. Stress incontinence happens when movement or activity puts pressure on the bladder, causing urine to leak. Movements include coughing, laughing, sneezing, running or heavy lifting. Stress incontinence is not related to mental stress.
A sneeze is just your body's way of kicking out unwanted material from your system. And for good reason! Suppressing a sneeze can cause the mucus and irritants to be pushed back into your sinuses, potentially leading to sinus pain, congestion and even sinus infections.
Most people's don't… but a significant minority do report a sweet or floral smell when they sneeze. This could be the smell of ketones from your bloodstream, which might be a sign of diabetes. But it is much more likely to be the cocktail of chemicals produced by the bacteria living in your sinuses or ears.
An infected sinus releases mucus that has a foul odor. The mucus drains to the back of your throat, resulting in bad breath. Also, when you have a sinus infection, there may be bacteria trapped in the nasal cavities, which produces an unpleasant smell.
A recurring ammonia smell in the nose might be from sinus infections, allergies, or medications. If it lingers or worsens, it's important to get evaluated by a specialist.
According to Guinness World Records, the longest sneezing fit is 976 days. Briton Donna Griffiths started sneezing on 13 January 1981 and surpassed the previous duration record on 26 July 1981. She sneezed an estimated million times in the first 365 days and achieved her first sneeze-free day on 16 September 1983.
Many cultures think sneezing sometime between noon and midnight is a sign of good luck, while others think it's a bad sign. In other cases, some people believe if you sneeze while getting dressed, something bad will happen that day.
A sneeze is one of the fastest and strongest actions your body can do. When you sneeze, your body quickly pushes air out through your nose and mouth. This air can move as fast as 100 miles per hour (160 km/h). Some studies say it may be closer to 50 mph—but that's still very fast.
Dust, smoke, strong odors, perfumes, and chemical fumes can irritate the nasal passages, causing sneezing as a protective response to clear out the irritants. Sinusitis, or sinus infections, can lead to inflammation and excess mucus production, triggering sneezing along with nasal congestion and facial pressure.
It remains unclear if sneezing can occur during NREM sleep. During very light sleep, it may be possible that a person could sneeze without waking up. But it is also possible that sneezing requires a very brief or partial awakening. No evidence has been published to definitively confirm either possibility.
Dutch. As in many other languages, the first time you sneeze the Dutch wish you “health” (gezondheid). But my personal favorite response comes after the third time you sneeze: morgen mooi weer, which translates to “good weather tomorrow.” That escalated quickly.
Idiopathic Mast Cell Activation Syndrome
MCAS is a condition in which the patient experiences repeated episodes of the symptoms of anaphylaxis – allergic symptoms such as hives, swelling, low blood pressure, difficulty breathing and severe diarrhea. High levels of mast cell mediators are released during those episodes.
A person with kidney failure may have breath that smells like ammonia or urine. Serious liver disease can make breath smell musty or like garlic and rotten eggs.