I'm really worried because it's been over 20 days and I just can't seem to sneeze. The issue began when my coworker jokingly hit me hard on the belly after lunch, and I had stomach pain for about 1.5 days after that. Normally, I sneeze around 23 times a day, but ever since then, it's like my nose starts the sneeze feeling, but my lungs just don't follow through. I've heard that sneezing helps get rid of dust particles at 320 kmph, so I'm concerned there might be serious health problems if I can't sneeze. I've even tried things like dusting the house and sniffing black pepper to bring on a sneeze, but nothing works. Could this just be something time will fix on its own, or should I be doing something specific to help? I'm feeling pretty anxious about it all. Any advice would be really helpful.

Understanding Sneezing and Its Triggers

• Sneezing is a reflex to clear irritants from the nasal passage. It can vary due to individual factors.

Possible Reasons for Not Sneezing

• Trauma or stress, like an abdominal injury, might indirectly affect sneezing reflexes.

When to Be Concerned

• Seek medical attention if you experience persistent pain, other symptoms, or health changes.

Recommended Actions

• Monitor symptoms. If the inability to sneeze continues or other symptoms appear, consult a healthcare professional.
• Consider seeing a doctor to rule out issues related to the abdominal injury or nervous system.

Medical Specialties and Tests

• Consult a general physician or neurologist. They may recommend tests if necessary.

Reassurance and General Advice

• Occasional changes in sneezing frequency are usually not serious. Maintain overall health and report new symptoms promptly.