Photic sneeze reflex
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225024300
2008-07-11T14:49:20Z
SDC
181435
[[WP:UNDO|Undid]] revision 224851253 by [[Special:Contributions/66.218.190.100|66.218.190.100]] ([[User talk:66.218.190.100|talk]])
[[Image:Autosomal Dominant Pedigree Chart.svg|thumb|right|ACHOO syndrome is inherited in an autosomal dominant fashion.]]
'''Photic sneeze reflex''' is a [[genetics|genetic]] [[autosomal dominant]] trait, which causes [[sneeze|sneezing]] when exposed suddenly to bright light, possibly many times consecutively. It is also referred to as '''photic sneeze response''', '''sun sneezing''', '''photogenic sneezing''', the '''photosternutatory reflex''', being '''photo sensitive''', '''ACHOO syndrome,''' and "Achooism," with its related [[backronym]] '''Autosomal dominant Compelling Helio-Ophthalmic Outburst syndrome'''. The condition affects 17 to 35 percent of [[human]]s.
The first mention of the phenomenon is probably in the later work attributed to [[Aristotle]] ([[Problems (Aristotle)|Problems]], book XXXIII).
==Mechanism==
The probable cause is a [[congenital]] malfunction in [[nerve]] signals in the [[trigeminal nerve nuclei]]. The fifth [[cranial nerve]], called the trigeminal nerve, is apparently responsible for sneezes. Research suggests that some people have an association between this nerve and the nerve that transmits visual impulses to the brain. Overstimulation of the [[optic nerve]] triggers the [[trigeminal nerve]], and this causes the photic sneeze reflex.
Another theory suggests that tears leaking into the nose through the [[nasolacrimal duct]] are a cause of the photic sneeze reflex. The speed of the reflex seems to favor the first theory, as it happens much too quickly for tears to be generated and drain into the nose. In addition this sneeze reflex can be brought on by a sudden inhaling of cold air or a strong flavor such as a strong mint gum. This implies an overstimulation of any nerve close to the trigeminal nerve can cause the sneeze reflex.
==Management==
While this phenomenon is poorly understood, recent research has shown that [[antihistamine]]s being used to treat [[rhinitis]] due to seasonal allergies may also reduce the occurrence of solar sneezes in those people suffering from both conditions.<ref>{{cite journal |year=1987 |month=May |title=Solar Sneeze Reflex |journal=Western Journal of Medicine |volume=146(5) |pages=20 |url=http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/pagerender.fcgi?artid=1307391&pageindex=1 |accessdate= 2007-12-18 }}</ref>
==References==
<div class="references-2column">
* Beckman L, Nordenson I. "Individual differences with respect to the sneezing reflex: an inherited physiological trait in man?" ''Hum Hered.'' 1983, '''33'''(6):390-1, PMID 6674114.
* Benbow EW: Practical hazards of photic sneezing. Brit. J. Ophthal. 75: 447, 1991.
* Breitenbach RA, "The photic sneeze reflex as a risk factor to combat pilots." ''Mil Med.'' Dec 1993, '''158''':806-9, PMID 8108024.
* Collie WR, Pagon RA, Hall JG, Shokeir MH. "ACHOO syndrome (autosomal dominant compelling helio-ophthalmic outburst syndrome)." ''Birth Defects Orig Artic Ser.'' 1978, '''14'''(6B):361-3, PMID 728575.
* Deshmukh N. "Sneezing response to bright light. Is it a cause of accidents?" ''The Guthrie Journal.'' 1995, '''64'''(3):104-5.
* Everett HC. "Sneezing in response to light." ''Neurology.'' 1964, '''14''':483-90, PMID 14144120.
* Forrester JM. "Sneezing on exposure to bright light as an inherited response." ''Hum Hered.'' 1985, '''35''':113-4, PMID 3988295.
* Morris HH 3rd. "ACHOO syndrome: prevalence and inheritance." ''Clev Clin J Med.'' 1987, '''54''':431-3, PMID 3665024.
* Peroutka SJ, Peroutka LA. "Autosomal dominant transmission of the 'photic sneeze reflex.'" ''N Engl J Med.'' Mar 1 1984, '''310'''(9):599-600, PMID 6694722.
* Semes LP, Amos JF, Waterbor JW. "The photic sneeze response: descriptive report of a clinic population." ''J Am Optom Assoc.'' June 1995, '''66'''(6):372-7, PMID 7673597.
* Whitman BW, Packer RJ. "The photic sneeze reflex: literature review and discussion." ''Neurology.'' May 1993, '''43'''(5):868-71, PMID 8492938.
</div>
{{reflist}}
==External links==
*{{OMIM|100820}}
*[http://www.madsci.org/posts/archives/aug97/865380242.Me.r.html MadSci article on the photic sneeze reflex]
*[http://loin.free.fr/john/medical_articles.html Annotated biography on medical journals on the photic sneeze reflex]
*[http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a2_303.html The Straight Dope on photic sneeze reflex]
*[http://www.experienceproject.com/group_profile.php?g=61993 Photic Sneezer Support]
[[Category:Genetic disorders]]
[[Category:Reflexes]]
[[ca:Reflex fotoesternutatori]]
[[de:Photischer Niesreflex]]
[[es:Reflejo de estornudo por luz brillante]]
[[fr:Réflexe photo-sternutatoire]]
[[it:Sindrome achoo]]
[[ja:光くしゃみ反射]]
[[pl:Odruch kichania spowodowany światłem słonecznym]]