Why Pollen Makes Us Sneeze

Get the scoop on how pollen makes our bodies go “Achoo!” 

You know that feeling, when your nose starts to twitch? 

That’s the start of a sneeze. Here’s a quick step-by-step on why, and how it works. 

• Your immune system detects and reacts to allergens in the air that are usually harmless.
• As soon as you come into contact with the allergens, your immune cells release various chemicals.
• When your body reacts to these chemicals, your nasal passages swell up, and your nose and throat become itchy.
• This is when your brain tells the muscles in your chest to contract.
• Your eyes and soft palate close, and you sneeze.