Sternutatio convulsiva, or commonly known as a convulsive sneeze, refers to a sudden, forceful, and involuntary expulsion of air through the nasal passages, often accompanied by a reflexive contraction of various muscles in the body. This specific type of sneezing is characterized by its convulsive nature, involving intense and uncontrollable bodily movements during the sneeze.
Typically, sternutatio convulsiva occurs as a response to various irritants, such as allergens, dust particles, or foreign substances that enter the nasal passages. The irritants stimulate the sensory nerves in the nasal mucosa, triggering a reflex pathway in the brain that initiates the sneeze response.
During sternutatio convulsiva, the diaphragm forcefully contracts, causing a sudden intake of breath, followed by a sharp and explosive exhalation through the nostrils. The powerful expulsion of air can propel the irritants out of the nose, providing relief and clearing the nasal passages.
In some cases, sternutatio convulsiva may also involve involuntary contraction of other muscles, such as those in the face, throat, or chest. These extra muscular contractions may create a convulsive or jerky movement pattern during the sneeze, which can be quite noticeable to observers.
Overall, sternutatio convulsiva is a unique type of sneezing characterized by its forceful, convulsive nature and is a normal physiological response aimed at clearing the nasal passages from irritants.
