What is Causing My Congestion and Sneezing?
Anything that irritates or aggravates the nose can cause intermittent and repeated sneezing and congestion. Some common triggers include:
- Common viral illnesses (e.g., common cold)
- Allergies
- Non-allergy triggers
Your symptoms come on suddenly. They don’t respond to antihistamines. The most likely issue is a non-allergic or irritant trigger. The best advice is to keep a detailed diary. This is to try to pinpoint a trigger for your symptoms.
Common non-allergic triggers include:
- Strong odors
- Cigarette smoke
- Cold/dry air
- Stress
- Sudden changes in the weather
- Certain foods, especially spicy ones
Review this diary with your doctor to see if there’s an association. Recommendations for environmental control measures and specific medical treatments can be made.
John M. James, MD, is a board-certified allergist. He is also President of Food Allergy Consulting and Education Services, LLC. He has worked as a medical specialist in the field of allergy, asthma, and immunology for over 30 years. Dr. James received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Arkansas and his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Tennessee. He is board certified by the American Board of Allergy and Immunology.
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