The cold wind can irritate the mucous membranes in our nose, which can trigger a sneezing reflex to expel the irritating particles.
When cold air hits the nose directly, it reacts by increasing the production of mucus. The goal is simple: to protect the internal tissues from the cold and keep the respiratory passages moist. The blood vessels inside the nostrils also dilate (which explains why the nose appears red!) in an attempt to quickly warm and humidify the incoming cold air. A direct consequence is that the inside of the nose becomes slightly irritated and sensitive, which promotes the triggering of a reflex sneeze.
In our nose, sensory receptors continuously detect what is happening outside, particularly the temperature and the presence of irritants. When the cold wind suddenly enters, these small sensors, especially the nerve endings, send a direct signal to the brain to alert it to this unusual thermal aggression. As a result, our body defends itself in its own way by triggering protective reflexes like sneezing to quickly expel what is bothering it. These hypersensitive receptors are there to protect our airways and prevent the lungs from directly taking in cold air or experiencing irritations.
The cold wind acts directly on your airways by quickly drying and cooling the nasal mucosa. As a result, the cool air stimulates a defense reaction: your nose starts to produce more mucus to protect its internal walls. At the same time, your nasal passages, aggravated by this sudden influx of cold, dry air, become irritated and sensitive. This irritation sometimes triggers quick reflex reactions like sneezing, in order to quickly eliminate the particles or cold air that disturb the sensitive tissues. It's no wonder that you sneeze when you get hit by a freezing gust in the face.
When an intense stimulus reaches the nose, a nerve signal quickly travels to the brain, particularly to the brainstem, a sort of automatic central. There, a reflex message is immediately sent back to several muscles: the diaphragm, the intercostal muscles, and even those of the face. The result: you automatically take a deep breath, and then these muscles contract suddenly to expel the air with impressive force. This very rapid gust of air, accompanied by thousands of tiny droplets, instantly expels the intruders that were irritating your nasal passages. This very quick reflex movement is called sneezing.
Sensitivity to cold wind really depends on the individual. Some factors like age, general health condition, or potential allergies can influence this reaction. For example, individuals suffering from allergic rhinitis or asthma are often more sensitive because their nasal mucosa is already irritated and reacts more quickly. Similarly, air filled with pollution, pollen, or irritating particles often amplifies the sneezing reflex in response to a sudden cold draft. Additionally, there is genetics: some people simply have nasal nerve receptors that are more easily excitable than others at the slightest cold airflow.
Sneezing when it's cold is a beneficial reaction, as it helps to expel irritating particles and thus protects our respiratory tract from potential infections.
There is another curious type of sneezing called the 'photic sneeze reflex,' which is triggered in some people when they suddenly move from darkness to bright light.
A sneeze can propel air at about 150 km/h, which is nearly the maximum speed achieved by a professional tennis player during a powerful serve!
Contrary to popular belief, closing your eyes during a sneeze is an involuntary reflex, intended to protect our eyes from the expelled particles.
It is not advisable to hold back a sneeze, as this significantly increases the pressure in the upper airways and may cause damage to the ears, sinuses, or even blood vessels. It is better to sneeze freely while, of course, covering your mouth and nose!
This phenomenon, known as photic sneezing or the photic sneeze reflex, is related to a crossed nerve stimulation between the optic nerves and those that trigger sneezing. It is estimated that about one in four people exhibits this reflex.
Not necessarily. Cold-related sneezing often results from mechanical or thermal irritation of the mucous membranes. However, if symptoms persist or are accompanied by other allergic signs (nasal discharge, itching), it is better to consult a doctor.
Yes, it is possible to partially protect oneself by covering the nose and mouth with a scarf, a neck warmer, or a mask, which helps to warm and humidify the inhaled air, thereby reducing irritation and the urge to sneeze.
Yes, it is completely normal to sneeze more in winter, as the cold, dry air irritates the nasal mucous membranes and triggers the sneezing reflex more frequently.
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