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That need to sneeze could all be down to your genes Nastasic via Getty Images<\/p>\n
I don\u2019t have hay fever,<\/a> but based on how I react to walking outside<\/a> on a hot day would convince you I do.<\/p>\n For some reason, getting off the train into the sun, opening my door onto a sunny vista, and even leaving a tree\u2019s shadow into a bright spot triggers a huge, eye-watering sneeze \u2013 and until now, I had no idea why.<\/p>\n But it turns out it might be my genes, per the Cleveland Clinic<\/a>.<\/p>\n It sounds like I\u2019m experiencing a \u201cphotic sneeze reflex,\u201d also known as<\/a> \u201cautosomal dominant compelling helio-ophthalmic outburst syndrome\u201d (ACHOO syndrome\u00a0\u2013 teehee).<\/p>\n What is a \u201cphotic sneeze reflex\u201d or ACHOO syndrome?<\/p>\n An extract from Medical Genetics Summaries says that<\/a> \u201cAffected individuals report a \u2018prickling sensation\u2019 or sneezing in response to a bright light.\u201d<\/p>\n It\u2019s elicited by going from a darker area to an area of brighter light (like stepping into sunlight from indoors), or simply having a bright light shown to you.<\/p>\n This can be \u201cuncontrollable.\u201d<\/p>\n How common is it to sneeze at bright lights?<\/p>\n \u201cAbout one in four individuals who already have a prickling sensation in their nose will sneeze in response to sunlight, but \u2018pure\u2019 photic sneezing is far less common,\u201d Medical Genetics Summaries<\/a> shared.<\/p>\n If one parent has the condition, their child has a 50% chance<\/a> of developing it.<\/p>\n But the Cleveland Clinic says<\/a> we don\u2019t know exactly how many people have the condition.<\/p>\n On average, they add, it seems to be about 15-30% of us: white people, especially white women,\u00a0may be more likely<\/a> to have the trait.<\/p>\n What causes sneezing on exposure to bright lights?<\/p>\n It\u2019s a genetic issue<\/a>, but we don\u2019t know yet which genes are responsible.<\/p>\n It happens because of a misfiring in your facial nerve that goes from your eyes to your nose. The constriction of your pupils as your eyes adjust to the light triggers<\/a> the sneeze.<\/p>\n Is sneezing at bright lights dangerous?<\/p>\n It can be if you\u2019re operating heavy machinery or driving: \u201cfor example, exiting a road tunnel on a bright day.\u201d<\/p>\n Pilots might need <\/a>to be more cautious, too.<\/p>\n How can I stop sneezing at bright lights?<\/p>\n There\u2019s no cure for\u00a0<\/a>ACHOO syndrome, but you can make the journey from darker spots into lighter areas easier on the eyes.<\/p>\n Shielding your eyes<\/a> with a hat or sunglasses might help.<\/p>\n