Sneezing is the body's way of cleaning out the nasal passage and disposing bothersome particles like dust or pollen. Though sneezing is neither painful nor socially unacceptable, it can be quite annoying if it happens every second of every minute of every hour. Occasional sneezing might not rattle your cage, but if it does, there are viable means of preventing it. Ways of Controlling Sneezing Sneezing, in itself, does not cause harmful effects on the human body. However, if you have a cold or an allergy, continuous sneezing can make your nasal passage inflamed and irritated. So, if you happen to be suffering from too much sneezing, give yourself a break. Here are ways to prevent sneezing, courtesy of doctors' recommendations:

• Neutralize the Problem With Nettle. This herbal remedy is known to ease the inflammation of nasal passages. It can also help reduce congestion that may cause sneezing. You have two options with nettle. You can either make nettle teas or purchase nettle supplements. The latter is more convenient and can be found in most health food stores. When using nettle supplements, only take them whenever your nose starts to get a little twitchy and be sure to follow the directions on the label.

• Pour a Glass of Orange Juice. This type of fruit juice, along with other citrus fruits and a variety of vegetables, is very rich in vitamin C. Vitamin C is known to reduce the amount of histamine the body releases. Histamine is an integral part of the immune system and may be involved in immune system disorders and allergies, which is why controlling its level may help relieve sneezing.

• Add More Vegetables to Your Diet. Vegetables, just like most fruits, are rich sources of bioflavonoid—refers to a class of plant secondary metabolites and is commonly known for its antioxidant activity. These are natural chemicals that can curtail the body's production of histamine, just like what vitamin C does.

• Sneeze-Proof Your Home. The best natural remedy against sneezing is removing allergy-inducing elements. Scrub your house clean of allergens by vacuuming, dusting, and mopping as often as possible. These cleaning practices help eliminate dust that causes sneezing. You should also clean bathrooms and the basement (if you have one). These places often harbor large amounts of molds that cause sneezing. Wash pillows, rugs, and stuffed animals at least once a week to wash away particles before they cause problems, such as allergies and sneezing.

• Clean Your Bedding and Mattress. Studies show that microscopic skin flakes, called dander, can cause sneezing and other allergy symptoms. You should wash your bed sheets and pillow cases at least once a week to prevent particles from forming. You can protect the mattress with a plastic cover and simply wipe the surface once a week to prevent particle formation.

• Give Your Pet Cat or Dog a Bath. Millions of people are allergic to cats, and to a lesser degree, dogs. Studies show that washing your pet at least once a week can dramatically reduce the amount of allergy-causing particles that go airborne. You may also want to consider keeping your pets out of the bedroom. Try to spend about eight hours a day away from your pets; this would help you sneeze less often the rest of the time.

• Take an Antihistamine. From the word itself, you can understand how antihistamines work. These over-the-counter medications are very effective in blocking your body's production of histamine. Antihistamines are not recommended to be used every time, only during flare-ups and emergency situations. The medication would provide you much needed relief from sneezing and other allergic reactions.

• Change Furnace Filters. If you have a heating device at home, make sure to clean the filters or change them regularly. At least once a month, remove the filters for cleanup or disposal, since these harbor particles that cause allergic reactions.

• Use Air Filtration. By using an air filtration device at home, you could greatly reduce the pollen in the air. Pollen or dust causes sneezing and various allergic reactions. Make sure to maintain the air filter by cleaning it regularly, preferably at least once a month.

• Travel Wisely. If you are someone suffering from serious allergies, it would be wise to analyze your travel route before heading on the road. Travel to areas with low pollen counts, even if that route is farther. It's better to be safe than sorry. Also, make sure you have a clean air conditioning system inside the vehicle. You might travel on a relatively pollen-free area, but with a car housing more particles than the road, it would certainly feel like purgatory.

Other Means of Treatment For really serious cases of allergies, moving out of a residence with a mold spore problem may be necessary. Antihistamines are considered the first line of therapy for sneezing caused by allergies, but for chronic conditions, nasal steroid sprays may be the solution. Allergy shots, also referred to as immunotheraphy or hyposensitization, are often used for seasonal diseases that cannot be managed with other drugs due to side effects. If sneezing is not caused by allergies, expect the problem to disappear as soon as the underlying disorder is treated. Diagnosis of Sneezing Many types of sneezing are considered healthy responses that do not need medical assistance, such as an encounter with a cloud of black pepper. However, continuous sneezing over a period of time may be linked with a medical condition that requires treatment. A physician can utilize several methods to accurately diagnose the cause of sneezing. An examination of the heart, lungs, and upper-airway passages can reveal clues, while a history of any breathing problem could probably reveal the nature of the disorder. If you decide to consult a physician, he or she will complete a detailed medical history through physical examination to diagnose any underlying medical condition that could be the source of the problem. The physician may inquire about several issues to document the sneezing pattern. You should be aware of these issues and be knowledgeable about your condition. Knowledge about your medical history could save you money that you plan to invest in various medications. In addition, you could manage your life better by simply learning more about your condition. The issues the physician may consult you on include:

• When the sneezing began
• Seasons the sneezing occurs (if any)
• How long sneezing episodes last
• Any personal or family history of allergies
• Any other symptom
• The effectiveness of any medication taken to relieve symptoms

Have you seen Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, the Disney classic that started the animation genre in cinema? Well, the way you live can be a tell-tale sign if you are Grumpy, Happy, Sleepy, Doc, Dopey, Bashful, or Sneezy. Maintain a clean house and you need not worry about allergic reactions or sneezing. Be a responsible occupant and you will probably be rewarded with a healthy body.