What Does Fainting Episode After Sneezing Hard Suggest?

Posted on Tue, 23 Jun 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 23 Jun 2015 Answered on

Tue, 14 Jul 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : When I sneeze my heart pounds and I almost faint this has been happening about a month and is really scary
it is worse if I do two sneezes in a row and is worse if I'm sat down

Answered by Dr. Rajkishori Godhi (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
tussive syncope

Detailed Answer:
Hi and welcome to healthcaremagic,

What you are experiencing is called Tussive Syncope.

When you sneeze very hard, there are pressure changes in your chest which disrupt the blood flow to the brain resulting in brief episode of fainting. It has also been hypothesized that sneezing puts a sudden jolt on the autonomic nervous system which results in fainting.

Please see a physician for a complete medical check up including the heart. Your doctor will look for postural low BP which is known to aggravate your symptoms.

Do not worry, I do not think that something is seriously wrong with you Madam.

Till you see your doctor , you have to take some precautions. I would suggest you sit down or even better lie down wherever you are when you feel like you are about to sneeze. This way, you will not fall and injure yourself.

Regards,
DR Rajkishori Godhi MS ENT

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E