ACHOO SYNDROME

ACHOO SYNDROME

ACHOO syndrome is a generally benign condition characterized by sudden, uncontrollable sneezing after viewing a bright light.

The ACHOO syndrome, standing for Autosomal dominant Compelling Helio-Ophthalmic Outburst syndrome, is an inherited condition where a person will involuntarily sneeze after seeing a bright light. A person with this condition will sneeze multiple times, and in rare cases may sneeze 30-40 times. The syndrome is usually more intense if the person with the condition moves suddenly from darkness into an area with bright lights or sunlight.

Men seem to be affected more than women.

Signs and symptoms

The prominent symptom of people with the ACHOO syndrome is sudden, involuntary sneezing when they see a bright light or sunlight.

One theory is that people who have the ACHOO syndrome have a hypersensitive reaction to light, just like some people have a sensitivity to cat hairs or pollen.

Another idea is that the sneeze reflex in people with the ACHOO syndrome is somehow linked to real nasal allergies, although this does not explain the syndrome in people without nasal allergies.

A third theory is that people with the ACHOO syndrome are very sensitive to seeing bright light. The sneeze reflex of the syndrome can then be thought of as an involuntary defense reaction against bright light; when the person sneezes, they automatically close their eyes.

Diagnosis

The ACHOO syndrome is diagnosed simply by observing the sneezing pattern of a person, and by looking into the sneezing patterns of the person’s close relatives. If the person seems to sneeze every time they are exposed to a bright light, and if their parents and offspring do the same, then the diagnosis of the ACHOO syndrome can be made.

Currently, there are no known blood tests or other medical tests that can help diagnose the syndrome.

Treatment and management

There are no specific treatments for the ACHOO syndrome. Common measures, such as wearing sunglasses, can help people who are severely affected.