Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 30, 2026
09:30
Precision Induction and Distinction of Coughing and Sneezing Reflexes in Mice
Published on: October 3, 2025
Intractable sneezing: is it always psychogenic?
Mustafa N Sulemanji1, Nuray O Kanbur, Orhan Derman
1Department of Pediatrics, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey.
The Turkish Journal of Pediatrics
|August 23, 2011
Summary
Intractable sneezing can be challenging to diagnose, often requiring extensive testing. Psychiatric evaluation revealed a psychogenic cause in one case, highlighting the need to consider psychosocial factors alongside organic causes.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Intractable sneezing is a rare condition that presents diagnostic challenges.
- Physicians often perform numerous tests to identify the cause of persistent sneezing.
Observation:
- A patient with intractable sneezing underwent extensive testing to rule out organic causes.
- Psychiatric evaluation identified a triggering psychosocial event.
- This led to the diagnosis of psychogenic sneezing.
Findings:
- Psychogenic sneezing can be difficult to diagnose, necessitating a thorough evaluation.
- While organic causes must be excluded, a significant number of cases may have psychogenic origins.
- Psychotherapy addressing psychosocial issues, combined with local anesthesia, effectively resolved the symptoms.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering psychogenic factors in intractable sneezing.
- A comprehensive diagnostic approach integrating psychiatric assessment is crucial.
- Integrating psychotherapy with medical interventions can improve patient outcomes for psychogenic sneezing.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Asthma I: Introduction
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized by variable airflow obstruction and heightened bronchial responsiveness to a wide range of triggers. The underlying inflammation leads to airway swelling, mucus hypersecretion, and smooth muscle constriction, all of which narrow the airway lumen and impede airflow. Clinically, asthma presents with recurrent episodes of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing, symptoms that typically vary in intensity and...
01:20Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management
Asthma is a chronic pulmonary condition involving inflammation of the airways, hyper-reactivity, and reversible obstruction of the airways. This condition can significantly impact a person's quality of life, making breathing difficult and leading to distressing symptoms.
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
02:06Allergic Reactions
Overview
01:29Asthma-I: Introduction
Asthma is a chronic respiratory ailment that requires careful management due to its varying symptoms and influencing factors. It is characterized by airway inflammation, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and reversible airflow obstruction, leading to symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. The symptom frequency and intensity may vary considerably over time. It is also linked to immune system responses to allergens and irritants, highlighting the complex...
01:28Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition characterized by recurrent obsessions, compulsions, or both, which consume significant time and interfere with daily functioning. Obsessions involve persistent, intrusive, and unwanted thoughts, images, or urges that evoke anxiety. Common examples include irrational fears of contamination or harm. Compulsions are repetitive behaviors or mental acts performed to reduce the anxiety caused by obsessions. For instance, individuals...
01:30Epistaxis
Epistaxis, or nosebleeds, occurs when small, swollen blood vessels in the nasal mucous membrane rupture. Typically, the anterior septum is the primary site of occurrence.
Etiology
Possible causes of this condition include high blood pressure, trauma, low humidity, upper respiratory tract infections, allergies, foreign bodies, nasal inhalation of corticosteroids or illicit drugs, excessive use of decongestant nasal sprays, facial or nasal surgery, anatomic malformation, tumors, or systemic...
Etiology
Possible causes of this condition include high blood pressure, trauma, low humidity, upper respiratory tract infections, allergies, foreign bodies, nasal inhalation of corticosteroids or illicit drugs, excessive use of decongestant nasal sprays, facial or nasal surgery, anatomic malformation, tumors, or systemic...