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What Causes The Inability To Complete A Reflex Sneeze?

Posted on Wed, 12 Apr 2017

Question: For the past 3 or 4 months I get occassional sensations to sneeze, but have never been able to. During this time, sneezing, or the inability to do so, has been on my mind and is causing me some anxiety. I mentioned this to my GP and he said that there is no reason for concern and did not run any tests for it. I went to see an ENT and he prescribed nasal sprays to get rid of the sneezing feeling. Still, I have been unable to sneeze when the feeling is there for months. Can you help? Should I see a different doctor? Are there any medical reason s for this or is this likely just psychological? as you can tell advice would be appreciated. I talked to a neurologist over the phone and she said this was likely not a neorological issue.

Answered by Dr. Priyanka Aggarwal (24 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Allergic rhinitis

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome to HealthcareMagic and thanks for putting up the query
A feeling to sneeze is usually due to allergic rhinitis. Get a Xray paranasal sinuses done and send me the picture.
Before labelling it being psychological it must be investigated properly.
Take a combination of levocetrizine and montelukast once daily
and continue with nasal spray once daily.
Follow up with the reports.
Take care
Thanks and regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Priyanka Aggarwal (1 hour later)

is it abnormal to not sneeze for 4 months? could this be a major issue? where do I get that xray done?

Answered by Dr. Priyanka Aggarwal (3 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Allergic rhinitis

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for the follow up query.
It is not at all a problem if one doesn't sneeze but if you have irritation in nose than there might be some reason. You can ask your doctor to prescribe you with this x-ray. It will be done by a radiologist.
There is no major issue related to this. As per my Clinical experience it is a deviation in nasal septum or mucosal inflammation that might be causing these symptoms.
Any further questions are always welcome.
Take care
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Priyanka Aggarwal (2 days later)

I had scheduled an appointment with an ENT and a neurologist for this issue. Are those worth seeing or a waste of time/money in your opinion?

Answered by Dr. Priyanka Aggarwal (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Allergic rhinitis

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for the follow up query
Your problem is definitely an ENT problem. An opinion from an ENT SPECIALIST will be beneficial.
According to my opinion you don't need a neurologist opinion for these complaints.
Any further questions are always welcome.
Take care
Thanks and 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. Prasad