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Why Pollen Makes Us Sneeze

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

Why does Pollen Make us Sneeze?

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.