Long time, huh! I’ve often thought of writing, but have lacked the will to convey some of life’s blessings and challenges, both personal and for humanity. This topic, though, I simply couldn’t resist.
I don’t know about anyone else, but I have sneezing fits at the most inopportune times; twice this morning. I sneeze so much I can’t catch my breath. Sometimes it’s scary. I blow my nose but the sneezes persist. I think of the euphemism, ‘blow my brains out’ (through my nose).
Commonly I sneeze, often uncontrollably, when I am driving or when my hands are wet from washing them, or while doing dishes. Reaching for a tissue is useless at best. Sometimes a sleeve will do the trick. Other times I simply lower my head and aim for the sink. One problem is the runny nose that often lingers. Not much problem if I’m in the shower (the second of my fits this morning). But I’d rather not have it at the kitchen sink! I’ve tried different dish soaps in hopes of curtailing my cacophony. That has helped, but I’m convinced that my nose knows no etiquette.
Sneezing is expected during allergy season, though I have never been diagnosed. I have what is commonly called Hay Fever. I am allergic to various pollen and plant residue swept up in the breeze. I do take antihistamines during allergy seasons. I realized many years ago a tendency to go into sneezing fits when walking through the soap and detergent aisles at the grocery and big box stores.
My uninvited sneezing fits have morphed over the years. Some causes have long been dulled while new triggers have emerged. Just such a trigger occurred this morning (the first for today). Though it is not the first time it’s happened.
Over recent years my stomach has become more sensitive to various foods. For instance, I can no longer tolerate shrimp in any sizable quantity. I love shrimp. Now I have to chew them to pulp to avoid severe abdominal cramps and worse, if you know what I mean. I know. Nothing to do with sneezing. It’s just an example of the changes that we face as we age.
Coffee has also become an issue at times. One such episode precipitated this blog post today. I love my morning coffee! I’ve been drinking two to three cups every morning for as long as I can remember. Now, though, the acid sometimes upsets my empty stomach. I have to get a cracker or bread or fruit in there for the juices to work on. Before I make it, some weird phenomenon links my stomach to my sinuses and I start sneezing.
I was/am terrible at anatomy, biology, and chemistry. I have no explanation for the association between my acidic coffee and my sneezing. I did do some Google searches but found no direct correlation except in cases of acid reflux. I guess I’ll leave the science to someone else. Meanwhile, I will continue to use the phrase, “My nose waits for no one!”
No one enjoys uncontrollable sneezing. But I am having fun writing about the odd times and causes of these fits. Maybe you can relate. Hopefully I’ll find more substantive subject matter as I try to reengage with writing a blog. After all, my life has gone through many changes over the past year. It’s certainly been nothing to sneeze at.