With near predictability I sneeze following the intake of mint whether it's gum, a breath mint, Listerine breath strips, or something else. I've now come to refer to these items as Sneezey Treats. Following the two sneezes, there are no other symptoms. I don't break out in hives, no watery eyes, nothing.
Anyone else got this going on? I obviously don't need to rush to the emergency room and the solution is even more obvious -- stop consuming this stuff, right -- but am looking for fellow MSPs -- or mint sensitive people. Any out there?
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sounds like you are slightly allergic to mints! I have not heard of this before but I googled it when I read your story and it's not common but it's not that unusual either!
July 25, 2008 - 1:06pmWhat kind of toothpaste do you use? Most are minty - does it affect you?
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Same thing happens to me. I was gonna go to the doc and see if it was some kind of allergic reation or something. That's cool that you have it to though, I feel less alone in the sensitive mint area of my life now, hah
July 30, 2008 - 3:21pmDo I ever and much more than twice. I decided to google this too because I remember my mom doing it and my daughter, same thing. This is funny!! Could be worse ;)
August 14, 2008 - 1:32pmEvery single time I eat a breath mint (like the red and white striped ones at restaurants, or an altoid), like clockwork I sneeze once, occasionally twice. No other symptoms. My roommate laughs at me and swears it's psychosomatic, but a quick search on Google proves that is not the case. :)
I don't have issues with toothpaste, but I've also only used a few types in my life.
October 8, 2008 - 1:10ami sneeze too when i eat mints. usually not chewing gum.
October 30, 2008 - 5:32pmi think we are allergic to menthol.
i still eat them because i, like you,
have no symptoms after the two sneezes!
maybe the sneezing is good for us!!!
haha i literally did not know other people have this. I sneeze when eating chewing gum - but its not something i'd stop eating it for, it's just a sneeze or two, doesn't bother me!! but it is without fail. I get laughed at too and people call them chewing gum sneezes haha. Also sunlight and bright lights make me sneeze- i dont think that will be related, but anyone have BOTH like me? Sensitive noses... Also have a really sensitive sense of smell ..
December 17, 2008 - 4:56pmBoth of those happen to me too. If I pop a gum and go out in to the sun right after, it's almost certain that I will sneeze!
March 12, 2010 - 1:30amI also have both of those! Weiiiird.
June 25, 2010 - 12:22pmI sneeze when chewing mint gum and most mints make me sneeze.
If I look at bright lights, I also sneeze.
You have Photic sneeze reflex.
August 8, 2010 - 7:15amI have these EXACT same symptoms, or whatever you'd like to call them. Anything minty at all and I sneeze. (It doesn't matter it it's gum, mints, or anything.. just as long as it's minty) I also sneeze when I walk outside into the sunlight after being inside or when I look into a really bright light. Sometimes I feel like I need to sneeze, and so I just look at light and I sneeze! And smell, I am super sensitive to smell. I associate everything with smell. I can't help but be a little excited because I've never had anyone who's experiences these things like I have!
September 6, 2010 - 7:47pm