Condition guide
Sneezing
Can't stop sneezing? Find relief from constant sneezing with the right antihistamines and remedies.
Find the right medicineTreatment and relief options
- Antihistamines (cetirizine, loratadine) for allergic sneezing
- Avoid known allergens and irritants
- Saline nasal spray to clear irritants
- Keep windows closed during high pollen days
- Wash hands and face after being outdoors
When to get help
- Sneezing with severe breathing difficulty
- Blood in nasal discharge
- Sneezing with high fever for >3 days
- Facial swelling or severe headache
- Persistent sneezing for weeks without improvement
Good to know
Allergy, infection or irritant?
Sneezing with a sore throat, cough and tiredness that peaks after a few days and usually settles within 7 to 10 days points to a cold. Sneezing with an itchy nose and itchy, watery eyes that keeps going, or returns in the same season or place, suggests allergic rhinitis: see hay fever, or runny nose and blocked nose if those symptoms dominate. Sneezing set off by smoke, dust, pepper, perfume, cleaning products, bright light or a sudden blast of hot or cold air is an irritant or reflex response. Sneezing alone cannot rule out COVID-19, which can also cause it.
When year-round sneezing is worth testing
Allergic rhinitis can be seasonal, from pollens and mould spores, or perennial, usually from dust mites, animal dander or mould. If sneezing affects your sleep or day-to-day life, ask your GP about allergy testing. Skin prick tests and blood tests for allergen-specific IgE attract a Medicare rebate, and you may be asked to stop antihistamines for several days beforehand. Unproven methods such as kinesiology, hair analysis and IgG food tests are not recommended. To protect others, sneeze into a tissue or your inner elbow, bin the tissue and wash your hands straight away. Don't try to hold a sneeze in.
Sources: healthdirect — Sneezing; healthdirect — Colds; healthdirect — COVID-19; ASCIA — Allergic rhinitis (hay fever); ASCIA — Allergy testing
Frequently asked questions
Common causes: allergies (pollen, dust, pets), irritants (perfume, smoke), or viral infections.
Related conditions
Best of & comparisons
Allergy & hayfever13 min read
Hayfever or Cold? How to Tell the Difference in Australia
Sneezing non-stop but not sure why? We compare hayfever and cold symptoms side by side, with a quick checklist and the best OTC options available in Australia.
Allergy & hayfever8 min read
Antihistamines in Australia: Zyrtec, Telfast and Claratyne Compared
Compare antihistamine ingredients, drowsiness cautions and product labels, without a universal winner for hay fever or hives.
Cough, cold & flu11 min read
Decongestant vs Saline Nasal Spray: Which Should You Use?
Fess or Otrivin? Learn when to use a saline spray, when a decongestant works better, how to avoid rebound congestion, and what's safe in pregnancy and for children.
Allergy & hayfever8 min read
Hay Fever Nasal Sprays in Australia: Types, Labels and Cautions
Compare corticosteroid, antihistamine and combination nasal sprays, with formulation-specific age limits, technique and review advice.
Allergy & hayfever8 min read
Cetirizine vs Loratadine vs Fexofenadine: Choosing an Antihistamine
Compare cetirizine, loratadine and fexofenadine by formulation, warnings and your response, with practical questions for a pharmacist.
Advice & guides
Allergy & hayfever8 min read
Hay Fever Treatment Australia: Complete Guide (2026)
Choose hay fever treatment by symptoms, formulation and safety limits. Covers tablets, nasal sprays, children, pregnancy and when to seek care.
Allergy & hayfever15 min read
Natural Hay Fever Remedies: What the Evidence Actually Says
Saline rinses work. Butterbur may help — with caveats. Local honey probably won't. We grade the evidence on every natural hay fever remedy worth trying.
Allergy & hayfever9 min read
Thunderstorm Asthma: Symptoms, Risk and What to Do
Thunderstorm asthma can strike hay fever sufferers who've never had asthma. Learn the warning signs, pollen-season prep and 4x4x4 first aid.
Medical disclaimer
This information is general in nature and isn’t a substitute for professional medical advice. Always read the label and follow the directions for use. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor about what’s right for you.