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Intractable psychogenic sneezing: two case reports
M S Bhatia1, Manish Khandpal, Shruti Srivastava
1Department of Psychiatry,University College of Medical Sciences and Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital, Dilshad Garden, Delhi 110095, India. manbhatia1@rediffmail.com
Indian Pediatrics
|June 8, 2004
Summary
Intractable paroxysmal sneezing, often psychogenic in adolescents, can be completely resolved. Removing psychological stressors led to full remission in two adolescent girls with this uncommon condition.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Psychiatry
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Sneezing is a common physiological reflex to nasal irritation.
- Intractable paroxysmal sneezing is a rare condition, predominantly observed in adolescents.
- Psychogenic factors are frequently implicated in the etiology of intractable sneezing.
Observation:
- The study presents two adolescent female cases experiencing intractable paroxysmal sneezing.
- These cases were characterized by frequent, uncontrollable sneezing episodes.
- The patients' symptoms were investigated for potential psychogenic triggers.
Findings:
- Complete remission of intractable paroxysmal sneezing was achieved in both patients.
- The remission was directly correlated with the identification and removal of psychogenic stressors.
- This suggests a strong link between psychological factors and the manifestation of severe sneezing.
Implications:
- Psychosocial interventions may be a crucial component in managing intractable paroxysmal sneezing in adolescents.
- This case report highlights the importance of considering psychogenic origins in refractory sneezing.
- Further research into the neurobiological mechanisms underlying psychogenic sneezing is warranted.