Can sunlight make you sneeze?

• Photic sneeze reflex (Achoo syndrome) is a genetically inherited condition where bright light exposure triggers involuntary sneezing, affecting approximately 18-35% of the population
• The mechanism involves light stimulation of the optic nerve, which may inadvertently trigger the trigeminal nerve pathway responsible for the sneeze reflex, though the exact neurological pathway remains incompletely understood
• Clinicians should be aware of this benign condition when patients report sneezing triggered by sunlight exposure or sudden bright light, distinguishing it from allergic or infectious causes

Do you suffer from Achoo syndrome? Sarah Keith-Lucas explains this unusual condition.

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