Okay, at some point or other, I guess we’ve all sneezed. A sneeze in itself is not unusual. Every mammal does it, at least as far as I know. Maybe even other kinds of animals.
But there are those poor suckers, like me, who suffer from the Photic Sneeze Reflex. What, I hear you asking, the fuck is that?
The Photic Sneeze Reflex, also called ACHOO syndrome, is a genetic autosomal dominant trait, which makes you sneeze when you’re exposed to bright light. Apparently, they don’t really know what causes it, but it’s probably some weird nerve wiring. (Read the wiki article, if you want to know more details.
Interestingly enough, the first one to mention this reflex was Aristotle.
As someone, who suffers from this unbelievable illness, let me tell you, it isn’t half bad. I’d rather suffer from that than from Snatiation. That’s when you have to sneeze, because your stomach’s full. Doing anything with your stomach full is exhausting. But having to sneeze, which is a really violent thing, when you’re full… my stomach hurts from thinking about that.
Do any of you suffer from either thing? [I wanted to install a poll, but unfortunately wasn’t able to. Maybe I’ll invest the 16 bucks or something to change to my own domain soon.]
kalafudra's Stuff 
Snatiation would be a great way to prevent overeating.
So if I shine a torch light into your face , you go sneezing ?
That’s true… Haven’t thought of that advantage. Thing is, sometimes you can’t help it. Like when going to eat Running Sushi or something.
I don’t know if a torch would be strong enough, but basically yes. Usually it happens to me when I step outside in the sun. Then I sneeze 1-3 times and then I’m adjusted. More or less. :)
Hi, if you’re interested in the reason why people sneeze in sunlight after being in the dark, I’ve written a bit, google ‘aquaphotic’. You probably won’t believe it though! :)
So after 23 years of my life having this quirky trait, I found out today that there is an actual name for this! And all it took was a hike in the woods with a clever friend. This actually excited me to discover so ofcourse I went home and googled it. Here I’ve gone all these years joking that I’m allergic to the sun when in fact all this time there is a name for it!! With scientific reasoning to back it up no less! haha who would have ever guessed! People always laughed or looked at me funny after a sneezing fit when stepping outside into the sunlight (and no i don’t have allergies) or looking into a bright light..but now I can actually explain it! Hah!…How do ya like them apples!
@Lauren:
“How do ya like them apples!” – lol
Yes, it’s very satisfying to be able to put a name to these things…
Snatiation isn’t that bad on the stomach (thanks for giving me a word to hang my affliction on), but it can be embarrassing. For so many years, I always thought it was just a chill in the restaurant, but when I finished the whole helping at a restaurant in honor of new employees, myself included, even though my stomach was tight, I commenced a sneezing fit. After about 4 whooshes, I had to excuse myself to the bathroom, where they continued uninterrupted.
I finally did a stifle which temporarily eased up, but I started sneezing again in the car.
Great way to lose weight if you remember how embarrassed you will be, but usually I forget until too late.
Well, something good must come from all things, right? :)
I have Snatiation. I just realized today that it was acctually something, I thought it just happened randomly.
I think it’s interesting that seemingly more people who stumble upon this blog entry have snatiation than the photic sneeze reflex. I’d have thought it’d be the other way round.