Persistent sneezing- causes and remedies

Persistent sneezing can be more than just a minor annoyance—it may be a signal of underlying health issues affecting your respiratory system. Chronic sneezing often disrupts daily activities, impacts sleep, and can indicate allergies, irritants, or infections. In holistic healing systems like Ayurveda, such symptoms might be linked to an imbalance in the body's doshas, particularly Kapha, which can be aggravated by environmental factors, diet, or seasonal changes.

Common causes*

  • Allergies: Reactions to airborne allergens such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander, or mould can trigger continuous sneezing
  • Infections: Common colds, sinusitis, or other respiratory infections can lead to persistent sneezing as the body tries to expel irritants
  • Environmental irritants: Exposure to smoke, pollution, or strong chemical odours can irritate the nasal passages and trigger frequent sneezing
  • Non-allergic rhinitis: Conditions such as vasomotor rhinitis, where sneezing is triggered by changes in temperature, humidity, or stress, can also be responsible
  • Nasal abnormalities: Structural issues like a deviated septum or nasal polyps may obstruct airflow and cause chronic sneezing

Home remedies*

Try these simple and effective remedies to relieve persistent sneezing:

Herbal steam with peppermint and thyme

Boil water and add a handful of fresh peppermint leaves and a few sprigs of thyme. Once the water has cooled slightly, inhale the herbal steam to help open up nasal passages and soothe inflammation directly in the sinuses.

Saline nasal rinse

Use a neti pot or saline spray to flush out allergens and irritants, helping to reduce inflammation and frequency of sneezing.

Herbal teas with peppermint

Peppermint tea can act as a natural decongestant, easing respiratory discomfort and calming persistent sneezing.

Apple cider vinegar elixir

Prepare a daily elixir by mixing one teaspoon of raw apple cider vinegar and one teaspoon of local honey in a cup of warm water. This blend may help balance nasal pH and reduce mucosal irritation that triggers sneezing.

Quercetin-rich diet

Incorporate foods high in quercetin—such as apples, berries, and onions—into your diet. Quercetin is a natural antioxidant that acts as a mild antihistamine and may help reduce allergic responses linked to persistent sneezing.

* This content is only meant for educational purposes and does not replace a consultation with an expert. We surely hope it helps you though! You can book an online or in-clinic appointment to consult one of our Ayurvedic doctors.

Book a consultation with us

If your persistent sneezing continues for several weeks, disrupts your daily activities, or is accompanied by additional symptoms like facial pain or fever, it is important to seek professional advice. At Samyoga Ayurvedic Heritage, our experienced doctors will assess your condition and recommend personalised treatments tailored to your specific needs.

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We charge ₹400/- per consultation. One consultation usually lasts for an hour.