Autosomal dominant irresistible heliophthalmic outburst syndrome (ACHOO) is a genetic disorder causing excessive sneezing triggered by bright light. The cause is unknown, and there is no cure or medication available.
Autosomal dominant irresistible heliophthalmic outburst syndrome (ACHOO) is a genetic disorder that causes excessive sneezing. This disorder is thought to be caused by sudden exposure to bright light. A patient with this condition usually experiences bouts of sneezing for a short time, but the number of sneezes can vary. Typically, a person with this disorder sneezes 10 to 20 times in a row. There are several theories as to why ACHOO occurs, but none have been proven.
In most cases, sneezing is caused by irritation of the mucous membrane. The membranes can be agitated by things like pollution or pollen, which trigger a reaction. A sneeze is a reflex action that helps remove the offending irritation. Occasionally, it is necessary to sneeze more than once to remove it. The optic nerves can also trigger the same reaction.
It is thought that a patient with ACHOO syndrome may have a hypersensitive reaction to bright, direct light. This has nothing to do with irritated membranes, but may be related to what happens when a person sneezes. It’s impossible to sneeze without closing your eyes, so this may be a way to protect them from the damaging light. Sneezing can be an eye protection mechanism.
Another theory suggests that the brain may mistake bright light for a mucous membrane irritant. It is possible to have nasal allergies along with this syndrome, which could explain the connection. However, many people who have ACHOO syndrome have no problems with their nasal passages.
ACHOO syndrome appears to be a genetic disorder, meaning it is hereditary. If one parent has this disorder, there is a 50% chance that one or more children will eventually have it as well. Although this disorder is annoying, it does not affect quality of life and is not considered dangerous.
No medications are recommended for people suffering from ACHOO syndrome and no effective treatments are available. If a patient also suffers from nasal allergies, antihistamines may be taken, but they may not stop excessive sneezing caused by bright light. Once a patient develops this disorder, it never goes away completely.
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