Why Do I Feel Cold After I Sneeze? Understanding the Science Behind Sneezing and Chills

The sensation of feeling cold after sneezing is a common experience that many people can relate to. This chilling effect can be attributed to several physiological factors. Understanding these factors can provide insights into the underlying mechanisms that contribute to this intriguing sensation.

Temperature Regulation and Sneezing

Sneezing can momentarily disrupt your body's temperature regulation. When you sneeze, your body releases a burst of energy, leading to a brief feeling of chill as it adjusts back to a stable temperature. This phenomenon is due to the temporary release of energy that can cause a slight drop in body temperature, making you feel cooler for a moment.

Air Exposure and Chills

During a sneeze, you expel air rapidly from your lungs. This exhalation can be cold, especially if the air is colder than your body temperature. The sudden exposure to cooler air can cause a sudden chill. This effect is more noticeable if you sneeze in a cooler environment or when the air outside is colder than your body temperature.

Vasoconstriction During Sneezing

Sneezing triggers a temporary constriction of blood vessels. This vasoconstriction reduces blood flow to the skin, making you feel cooler. The reduction in blood flow can cause a sensation of cold, especially in areas like the face and hands, which are more exposed to the environment.

Respiratory Response and Cold Sensation

If you're sneezing due to allergies or a cold, your body may be in a heightened state of sensitivity. This heightened sensitivity can result in a more pronounced sensation of cold after sneezing. The respiratory response to allergens or viral infections can trigger an immune response that causes vasoconstriction, leading to a chill.

Neurological Explanations for Sneezing and Chills

According to Dr. Neil Kao, an allergy and asthma specialist, sneezes start in the nerves. The human nervous system is generally wired in the same way, but signals traveling along nerves can take slightly different paths, resulting in different sneeze scenarios. Peculiarly, many people sneeze when plucking their eyebrows in bright light or after sex. This phenomenon is believed to be due to the autonomic nervous system's response to certain stimuli.

The autonomic nervous system controls processes like sweating and shivering, which are related to body temperature regulation. Therefore, it makes sense that sneezing, which is also regulated by the autonomic nervous system, can cause a shiver or cold response.

A particularly interesting anecdote from the author's childhood illustrates this point. During the winter, the author would lie in bed while family members took showers, and the sound of the falling water would make them shiver and sneeze. This experience highlights the connection between sensory inputs and the body's physiological responses.

If this sensation is frequent or accompanied by other symptoms, it might be worth consulting a healthcare professional. Sneezing and associated chills can sometimes indicate underlying health issues that need attention.

In conclusion, feeling cold after sneezing is a multifaceted phenomenon influenced by temperature regulation, air exposure, vasoconstriction, and neurological responses. Understanding these mechanisms can help alleviate concerns and provide insights into the body's natural temperature regulation processes.