How to Stop an Allergic Sneezing Fit Without Medication

When I was growing up, I had constant allergies. In the summer, many, many things in the outdoors would set me off. In the winter, dust and mold kept me reaching for the Kleenex. I was forever sneezing and blowing my nose. This culminated during a trip to Friday Harbor in the San Juan Islands with my husband-to-be. We were at an outdoor restaurant and I was sneezing so hard I could barely eat my barbecued crab sandwich. Tears were streaming down my face, and the diners around me were starting to edge away. Finally, a kind gentlemen came over and told me what I should do about it. It sounded completely bizarre and I didn't believe him, but I also wanted to eat my lunch. So finally, I excused myself to the bathroom, tried what he suggested .... and it worked. Ever since then, it has been my secret weapon whenever allergies give me grief and I start a sneezing fit.

Things You'll Need

• Sneezing that simply WON'T stop.
• Water. Running water is easier to work with, but I've done it out of a bottle when I had to.

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Instructions

• 1

  Though this cure can be done anywhere, it is easiest in a bathroom. Not only because it looks very strange, and bathrooms have a modicum of privacy, but because the sink is very handy. Step one, enter the bathroom and wash your hands.

• 2

  Turn on the faucet and cup your hands beneath it.

• 3

  Once you have a little pool of water in your cupped hands, dunk your nose in it until it is submerged. Hold it there as long as you can.

• 4

  Release the water. You may repeat if you would like. Especially if another sneeze escapes.

• 5

  Dry the outside of your nose with a paper towel, or whatever is handy in the bathroom. Or you could let it air dry. It may feel tender and tickly, but you will no longer be actively sneezing.