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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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I have the same thing and it's called Photic Sneeze Reflex (look it up on Wikipedia) and it is rather common. It's not exactly known what causes this, but one thing is sure; it's not an allergy. The name was chosen somewhat inconveniently, because it can also be triggered by something else then light. Bright lights won't trigger the reflex in me.
Other triggers include chocolate, mints and a(n extremely) full stomach. Normally this isn't dangerous, but you may want to anticipate this when you're driving or brushing your teeth.
October 3, 2011 - 7:46amThis Comment
I never gave it any thought...it's been going on for YEARS! But today for w/e reason I thought--gee it is weird how I sneeze as I just started chewing my new piece of gum. I'm NOT ALONE...haha!
Same thing w/ me...a couple sneezes with gum, mint candy, strips, mouthwash, toothpaste/sometimes, drinks anything minty.
I AM allergic to a bunch of things but that is totally unrelated to this.
Where would we be w/o the internet to know we are not just weirdos ourselves. HAHA!
September 23, 2011 - 12:16pmThis Comment
I have same thing. Don't worry. At least I am allergic to this. I was worried that I am not allergic to anything... :D
September 14, 2011 - 10:59pmThis Comment
haha lol me too! i sneezed everytime i encounter strong mint stuff like candies (mentos) and toothpaste.
August 12, 2011 - 7:29ami also sneeze when i eat salty stuff like fried salted dried fish, or even dark chocolate (i guess the salt content is just masked by the combined bitterness and sweetness of it)
and the most weird thing, when i get horny. hahahha really stupid. sneezing just before we make out..
This Comment
XD me too. :D i just ate a mint...and...ACHOOO.
June 24, 2011 - 5:57pmThis Comment
This happens to me all the time too! I dont have a clue what it is but it sure is weird! I sneeze at least twice everytime I have a mint or chewing gum, it happens when I'm in the Sunshine and sometimes when I drink orange cordial... Which is strange... I would love to find out what it is, I'm 20 and have had this going on for about 10 years, people find it weird and I always tend to get a few funny looks!
June 6, 2011 - 5:55amThis Comment
Yes this happens to me ALL the time whenever i eat mint or anything minty! Once i was cleaning my teeth with extra strong mint and sneezed and the toothpaster came flying out my mouth! LAWL! it was so funny and it took ages to clean the mirror! haah and yes i am the 12/13 year old that has posted before! you can probably remember my sense of humour ahah!
April 22, 2011 - 7:40amThis Comment
all im going to say is thank god its not just me. im 45 and have done this all my life with mints and the sun shine. i dont mind but i sneeze realy lowde and hard... i work in a large supermarket and every time i have a mint at work then sneeze they all come round from three iles away and say 'is that you again'. i sneeze so hard i feel like it has riped my throught. i have actuly got the lowdest sneeze i have ever herd. its quite good fun to see the customers jump. one lady put her hand over her mouth looked at me in discust and ran away shouting swin flu. thanks sneezing Sue from Durham
February 19, 2011 - 9:01amThis Comment
I have this too! No idea why, but I would rather have the breath mint and sneeze twice than give it up. ONe of those weird things the body does I guess.
February 10, 2011 - 8:39pmThis Comment
Holla to the other MSP'S. I sneeze whenever I chew mint gum or eat mints, although toothpaste does not affect me. I am glad I am not alone !
November 26, 2010 - 8:34pmThis Comment