HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

What Causes The Inability To Complete A Reflex Sneeze?

default
Posted on Fri, 7 Apr 2017
Question: Hi,
Within the last few years, I frequently experience the urge to sneeze but not being able to do so. This urge to sneeze often comes from the left side of my nose. Each time the urge comes, I can feel the mucus flowing out from the back of my nose but I just cannot sneeze it out. Also, when this happens, I often get blocked/stuffy nose at night and this is seriously affecting my quality of sleep. The stuffiness or blockage is relieved for a few minutes after I massage the tear duct area.
I do recall my Mother mentioning that when I was younger, I had the problem of narrow (obstructed) tear ducts. Also, currently, I do find my tear ducts and eyeball slightly protruding and my eyes are often dry. There are times when I do wake up with crusty eye corners.
Also, I have been to an ENT specialist at the doctor at determined that the Adenoid on the left side of my nose is larger than the other side and was placed on nasonex nasal spray. However I did not mentioned anything about this tear duct blockages that I had when I was younger.
Could there be any relations?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Priyanka Aggarwal (9 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Allergic rhinitis

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome to HealthcareMagic and thanks for putting up the query
From your complaints it seems to be a nasal obstruction which can be due to deviated nasal Septum or adenoids or a nasal polyp. At your age adenoids is most unlikely cause. So get a CT paranasal sinuses done and send me the report. The lacrimal duct blockage can be also present in nasal obstruction.
My advice is you continue nasonex. Take a combination of levocetrizine and montelukast once daily
All the medicines I have prescribed will be available only on prescription
Follow up with the reports so that I can suggest you better.
Take care
Thanks and regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Priyanka Aggarwal (1 hour later)
Hi,
I went to seek help from a private clinic near my housing area. The doctor explained that most people do not have a straight septum and that mine may be leaning slightly to the left. He proceeded to prescribed me with nasonex nasal spray, chloramine and ardin. However, he did not mentioned a need for any forms of scans. Shall I seek help from hospitals or polyclinics instead ? Or shall I just continue with the nasal sprays everyday and only go back for more medication when needed ?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Priyanka Aggarwal (5 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Allergic rhinitis

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for the follow up query.
As you have chronic symptoms, there is definitely some cause. A deviated nasal septum if symptomatic than only required intervention. So get a CT paranasal sinuses done and send me the pictures. The medicines prescribed by your doctor are correct. So continue with the medicines and get the investigations done. The further management will depend on the reports.
Take care
regards
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Priyanka Aggarwal

ENT Specialist

Practicing since :2008

Answered : 1389 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
What Causes The Inability To Complete A Reflex Sneeze?

Brief Answer: Allergic rhinitis Detailed Answer: Hi Welcome to HealthcareMagic and thanks for putting up the query From your complaints it seems to be a nasal obstruction which can be due to deviated nasal Septum or adenoids or a nasal polyp. At your age adenoids is most unlikely cause. So get a CT paranasal sinuses done and send me the report. The lacrimal duct blockage can be also present in nasal obstruction. My advice is you continue nasonex. Take a combination of levocetrizine and montelukast once daily All the medicines I have prescribed will be available only on prescription Follow up with the reports so that I can suggest you better. Take care Thanks and regards