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Intractable paroxysmal sneezing in an adolescent
M U Keating1, E J O'Connell, M I Sachs
1Department of Pediatrics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.
Annals of Allergy
|May 1, 1989
Summary
This case study describes intractable paroxysmal sneezing in a young girl, unresponsive to medication. The condition, typically psychogenic, suggests psychotherapy as a potential treatment.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Psychosomatic Medicine
Background:
- Paroxysmal sneezing is a condition characterized by sudden, intense sneezing fits.
- Intractable sneezing can significantly impact a child's quality of life and daily functioning.
Observation:
- An 11 1/2-year-old girl presented with intractable paroxysmal sneezing.
- Key features included sneezing with eyes open and cessation during sleep.
- The sneezing was refractory to multiple pharmacological interventions.
Findings:
- Physical examination findings were unremarkable, ruling out common organic causes.
- Literature review indicates that such persistent sneezing disorders are often psychogenic in origin.
- The condition's characteristics align with previously documented psychogenic sneezing cases.
Implications:
- Psychogenic sneezing may present with unique, observable symptoms.
- Psychotherapy is highlighted as a primary treatment modality for psychogenic sneezing.
- Further research into the neurobiological underpinnings of psychogenic sneezing is warranted.