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Reason of sneezing. Sneezing: Causes, Treatments, and Prevention – A Comprehensive Guide

What are the common causes of sneezing. How can you effectively treat and prevent sneezing. What are the underlying mechanisms that trigger a sneeze. When should you seek medical attention for persistent sneezing.

The Science Behind Sneezing: Understanding the Mechanism

Sneezing is a fascinating physiological response that serves an important purpose in our bodies. It’s a sudden, forceful, and uncontrolled burst of air through the nose and mouth, typically triggered by irritation to the mucous membranes of the nose or throat. But what exactly happens when we sneeze?

The sneezing process involves a complex interplay of nerves and muscles. When irritants stimulate the nerve endings in the nasal passages, a signal is sent to the brain’s sneeze center. This center then coordinates a response involving multiple muscle groups, including those in the chest, abdomen, and throat. The result is a powerful expulsion of air that can reach speeds of up to 100 miles per hour, effectively clearing the nasal passages of irritants.

Why do we close our eyes when we sneeze?

Many people wonder why we instinctively close our eyes when sneezing. This is actually a reflex action. The forceful nature of a sneeze causes a momentary increase in pressure within the skull, which can stimulate the nerve endings around the eyes, causing them to close. It’s not necessary for the sneeze itself, but it’s a protective mechanism that has evolved over time.

Common Causes of Sneezing: From Allergies to Infections

Sneezing can be triggered by a wide variety of factors. Understanding these causes can help in managing and preventing excessive sneezing. Here are some of the most common reasons:

  • Allergies (hay fever, dust, pet dander)
  • Common cold or flu
  • Irritants in the air (pollution, strong odors)
  • Bright light (photic sneeze reflex)
  • Spicy foods
  • Certain medications
  • Drug withdrawal

Allergies are perhaps the most frequent cause of chronic sneezing. When allergens such as pollen, dust, or animal dander enter the nasal passages, they trigger an immune response that results in inflammation and irritation, leading to sneezing as the body attempts to expel the perceived threat.

Is sneezing always a sign of illness?

While sneezing is often associated with colds or allergies, it’s not always indicative of illness. Sometimes, sneezing can be a normal physiological response to irritants or even a hereditary trait, as in the case of the photic sneeze reflex where exposure to bright light triggers sneezing in some individuals.

Diagnosing the Root Cause: When to See a Doctor

In most cases, sneezing is a benign symptom that doesn’t require medical attention. However, there are instances where consulting a healthcare provider might be necessary. Consider seeking medical advice if:

  1. Sneezing is accompanied by severe or persistent symptoms
  2. You experience difficulty breathing
  3. Sneezing interferes significantly with daily activities
  4. Home remedies and over-the-counter treatments are ineffective

During a medical consultation, your healthcare provider will likely perform a physical examination, focusing on your nose and throat. They may ask questions about your medical history, the onset and duration of symptoms, and any potential triggers you’ve noticed.

How are the underlying causes of chronic sneezing diagnosed?

In some cases, particularly for suspected allergies, your doctor might recommend allergy testing. This can involve skin prick tests or blood tests to identify specific allergens triggering your symptoms. For non-allergic causes, your doctor may need to rule out other conditions through various diagnostic procedures, potentially including nasal endoscopy or imaging studies.

Treatment Options: From Home Remedies to Medical Interventions

The appropriate treatment for sneezing depends on its underlying cause. Here are some common approaches:

  • Antihistamines for allergy-related sneezing
  • Nasal corticosteroid sprays to reduce inflammation
  • Decongestants to relieve nasal congestion
  • Immunotherapy for severe allergies
  • Nasal irrigation to flush out irritants

For sneezing caused by colds or other viral infections, treatment usually focuses on symptom relief while the body fights off the infection. Over-the-counter cold medications can help manage symptoms, but it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider or pharmacist to ensure safe and appropriate use.

Are there effective natural remedies for sneezing?

Some people find relief from sneezing through natural remedies. These can include:

  • Honey and lemon tea to soothe throat irritation
  • Steam inhalation to moisturize nasal passages
  • Eating spicy foods to temporarily clear nasal congestion
  • Using essential oils like eucalyptus or peppermint (with caution)

While these remedies may provide some relief, it’s important to note that their effectiveness can vary from person to person. Always consult with a healthcare provider before trying new treatments, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking other medications.

Prevention Strategies: Minimizing Triggers and Boosting Immunity

Preventing sneezing often involves a combination of avoiding triggers and strengthening your body’s defenses. Here are some strategies to consider:

  1. Identify and avoid allergens or irritants
  2. Use air purifiers to reduce airborne particles
  3. Maintain good hygiene, especially hand washing
  4. Keep your living space clean and dust-free
  5. Strengthen your immune system through diet and exercise

For those with allergies, taking preventive measures can significantly reduce the frequency of sneezing episodes. This might involve using hypoallergenic bedding, keeping windows closed during high pollen days, or using a HEPA filter in your home.

Can dietary changes help prevent sneezing?

While there’s no specific diet that can completely prevent sneezing, certain nutritional strategies may help. Consuming foods rich in vitamin C and other antioxidants can support immune function. Some studies suggest that probiotics may help modulate the immune response in individuals with allergies. However, more research is needed to fully understand the relationship between diet and sneezing.

The Impact of Sneezing on Daily Life and Health

While sneezing is generally a harmless bodily function, frequent or chronic sneezing can have a significant impact on quality of life. It can disrupt sleep, affect concentration, and in some cases, lead to social embarrassment. Moreover, forceful sneezing can occasionally lead to minor injuries or exacerbate existing conditions.

From a public health perspective, sneezing plays a role in the spread of airborne diseases. When we sneeze, we expel droplets that can contain viruses or bacteria. This is why covering your mouth and nose when sneezing is crucial for preventing the spread of infections.

Does sneezing serve any beneficial purpose for our health?

Despite the inconvenience it can cause, sneezing serves an important protective function. It helps clear the nasal passages of irritants, allergens, and potentially harmful microorganisms. In this sense, sneezing is part of our body’s defense mechanism against environmental threats and infections.

Sneezing in Different Contexts: Cultural and Social Aspects

Sneezing has interesting cultural and social dimensions that vary around the world. In many Western cultures, it’s customary to say “bless you” or “gesundheit” when someone sneezes. This tradition has roots in ancient superstitions about the soul leaving the body during a sneeze.

In some Asian cultures, sneezing is sometimes seen as a sign that someone is talking about you. The number of sneezes can even be interpreted to indicate whether the conversation is positive or negative. While these beliefs are not based on scientific evidence, they highlight the cultural significance that has been attached to this common bodily function.

How do different cultures respond to sneezing in public?

Cultural norms regarding sneezing in public can vary significantly:

  • In Japan, it’s considered polite to wear a face mask when you have a cold or allergies to prevent spreading germs.
  • In some Middle Eastern countries, sneezing is seen as a blessing from Allah and is often accompanied by a short prayer.
  • In parts of India, sneezing before starting an important task might be seen as a bad omen.

Understanding these cultural differences can be important in social and professional settings, especially when interacting with people from diverse backgrounds.

Sneezing in Special Populations: Children, Elderly, and Pregnant Women

Sneezing can have different implications for various age groups and populations. Children, for instance, tend to have more frequent colds and thus may sneeze more often than adults. Their developing immune systems make them more susceptible to infections and allergies.

In the elderly, chronic sneezing might be a sign of underlying health issues or medication side effects. It’s important for older adults to pay attention to persistent sneezing and consult their healthcare provider if it becomes troublesome.

Pregnant women may experience changes in their sneezing patterns due to hormonal fluctuations and increased blood volume. While occasional sneezing is normal during pregnancy, severe or chronic sneezing should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

Are there any risks associated with sneezing during pregnancy?

Generally, sneezing during pregnancy is harmless to the mother and the baby. However, forceful sneezing can sometimes cause discomfort or pain, especially in the later stages of pregnancy when the uterus is enlarged. In rare cases, very forceful sneezing might lead to minor complications like round ligament pain. Pregnant women experiencing persistent or troublesome sneezing should consult their obstetrician for advice and potential treatment options.

Understanding the multifaceted nature of sneezing – from its physiological mechanisms to its cultural significance and impact on different populations – can help us better manage this common yet sometimes troublesome bodily function. Whether it’s a simple response to dust or a symptom of an underlying condition, being informed about sneezing empowers us to take appropriate actions for our health and well-being.

Sneezing: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia


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A sneeze is a sudden, forceful, uncontrolled burst of air through the nose and mouth.

Sneezing is caused by irritation to the mucous membranes of the nose or throat. It can be very bothersome, but is rarely a sign of a serious problem.

Sneezing can be due to:

  • Allergy to pollen (hay fever), mold, dander, dust
  • Breathing in corticosteroids or other medicines (from certain nose sprays)
  • Common cold or the flu

  • Drug withdrawal
  • Triggers such as dust, air pollution, dry air, spicy foods, strong emotions, certain medicines, and powders

Avoiding exposure to the allergen is the best way to control sneezing caused by allergies. An allergen is something that causes an allergic reaction.

Tips to reduce your exposure:

  • Change furnace filters
  • Remove pets from the home to get rid of animal dander
  • Use air filters to reduce pollen in the air
  • Wash linens in hot water (at least 130°F or 54°C) to kill dust mites

In some cases, you may need to move out of a home with a mold spore problem.

Sneezing that is not due to an allergy will disappear when the illness that is causing it is cured or treated.

Contact your health care provider if sneezing is affecting your life and home remedies do not work.

Your provider will perform a physical exam and look at your nose and throat. You’ll be asked about your medical history and symptoms.

Question topics may include:

  • When the sneezing started
  • Whether you have other symptoms
  • If you have allergies

In some cases, allergy testing may be needed to find the cause.

Your provider will suggest treatments and lifestyle changes for hay fever symptoms.

Sternutation; Allergy – sneezing; Hay fever – sneezing; Flu – sneezing; Cold – sneezing; Dust – sneezing

  • Allergic rhinitis – what to ask your doctor – adult
  • Allergic rhinitis – what to ask your doctor – child
  • Throat anatomy

Cohen YZ. The common cold. In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett’s Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 58.

Corren J, Baroody FM, Togias A. Allergic and nonallergic rhinitis. In: Burks AW, Holgate ST, O’Hehir RE, et al, eds. Middleton’s Allergy Principles and Practice. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 40.

Eccles R. The nose and control of nasal airflow. In: Burks AW, Holgate ST, O’Hehir RE, et al, eds. Middleton’s Allergy Principles and Practice. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 39.

Updated by: Stuart I. Henochowicz, MD, FACP, Clinical Professor of Medicine, Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology, Georgetown University Medical School, Washington, DC. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

Sneezing: Causes, Treatments, and Prevention

Sneezing: Causes, Treatments, and Prevention

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Medically reviewed by J. Keith Fisher, MD — By Carmella Wint — Updated on July 20, 2019

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Sneezing is your body’s way of removing irritants from your nose or throat. It is a powerful, involuntary expulsion of air. While this symptom can be quite annoying, it’s not usually the result of any serious health problem.

Sneezing often happens suddenly and without warning. Another name for sneezing is sternutation. Read on to learn more about why you sneeze and how to treat it.

Part of your nose’s job is to clean the air you breathe, making sure it’s free of dirt and bacteria. In most cases, your nose traps this dirt and bacteria in mucus. Your stomach then digests the mucus, which neutralizes any potentially harmful invaders.

Sometimes, however, dirt and debris can enter your nose and irritate the sensitive mucous membranes inside your nose and throat. When these membranes become irritated, it causes you to sneeze.

Sneezing can be triggered by a variety of things, including:

  • allergens
  • viruses, such as the common cold or flu
  • nasal irritants
  • inhalation of corticosteroids through a nasal spray
  • drug withdrawal

Allergies are an extremely common condition caused by your body’s response to foreign organisms. Under normal circumstances, your body’s immune system protects you from harmful invaders such as disease-causing bacteria.

If you have allergies, your body’s immune system identifies typically harmless organisms as threats. Allergies can cause you to sneeze when your body tries to expel these organisms.

Infections caused by viruses such as the common cold and flu can also make you sneeze. There are more than 200 different viruses that can cause the common cold. However, most colds are the result of the rhinovirus.

Other, less common causes of sneezing include:

  • trauma to the nose
  • withdrawal from certain drugs, such as opioid narcotics
  • inhaling irritants, including dust and pepper
  • breathing cold air

Nasal sprays that have a corticosteroid in them reduce inflammation in your nasal passages and decrease the frequency of sneezing. People with allergies often use these sprays.

Shop for nasal sprays.

One of the best ways to keep from sneezing is to avoid things that trigger you to sneeze. You can also make some simple changes in your home to reduce irritants.

Change the filters on your furnace to keep your home’s filtration system working properly. If you have pets that shed, you might consider cutting their hair or removing them from the home if their fur bothers you too much.

You can kill dust mites on sheets and other linens by washing them in hot water, or water over 130°F (54.4°C). You might also decide to purchase an air filtration machine to clean the air in your home.

In extreme cases, you may need to get your home checked for mold spores, which may be causing your sneezing. If mold infests your home, you may need to move.

Shop for air filtration machines.

If your sneezing is a result of allergies or an infection, you and your doctor can work together to treat the cause and resolve your sneezing.

If an allergy is the cause of your sneezing, your first step will be to avoid known allergens. Your doctor will teach you how to recognize these allergens, so you’ll know to stay away from them.

Over-the-counter and prescription medications called antihistamines are also available to relieve your symptoms. Some of the most common anti-allergic medications are loratadine (Claritin) and cetirizine (Zyrtec).

If you have severe allergies, your doctor might recommend that you receive allergy shots. Allergy shots contain the extracts of purified allergens. Exposing your body to allergens in small, regulated doses helps keep your body from reacting to allergens in the future.

If you have an infection, such as the common cold or flu, your treatment options are more limited. Currently, no antibiotic is effective in treating the viruses that cause colds and the flu.

You can use a nasal spray to relieve a congested or runny nose, or you can take an antiviral medication to speed up your recovery time if you have the flu. You should get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids to help your body recover faster.

Last medically reviewed on July 19, 2019

How we reviewed this article:

Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

  • Allergic rhinitis. (2018).
    acaai.org/allergies/types/hay-fever-rhinitis
  • Mayo Clinic Staff. (2019). Common cold.
    mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/common-cold/symptoms-causes/dxc-20199808
  • Sharma B, et al. (2016). Opioid use disorders. DOI:
    10.1016/j.chc.2016.03.002
  • Sneezing and sniffling: How to tell if it’s allergies or a cold. (2016).
    community.aafa.org/blog/sneezing-and-sniffling-how-to-tell-if-its-allergies-or-a-cold-and-warning-for-people-with-asthma
  • Upper respiratory infection (URI or common cold). (n.d.).
    hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/conditions/pediatrics/upper_respiratory_infection_uri_or_common_cold_90,P02966
  • What you should know about flu antiviral drugs. (2019).
    cdc.gov/flu/antivirals/whatyoushould. htm

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

Current Version

Jul 20, 2019

Written By

Carmella Wint

Edited By

Alina Sharon

Jul 19, 2019

Medically Reviewed By

Keith Fisher

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Medically reviewed by J. Keith Fisher, MD — By Carmella Wint — Updated on July 20, 2019

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Why a person sneezes, how to stop sneezing

Article content:

  • Reasons
  • Diagnostics
  • Treatment
  • Recommendations

Normally, sneezing is a protective reflex act. Thus, the body cleanses the respiratory tract and nasal mucosa from physical, chemical and other irritants. As a pathological symptom, sneezing occurs in ARVI, rhinitis, sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, nasal polyps, and other diseases.

How to cure severe, persistent sneezing? Topical therapy includes the use of special nasal drops. Depending on the cause of sneezing, the composition of the drops may include antibiotics, hormones, immunomodulators, NSAIDs, antihistamines, and other drugs. Some pathological conditions can only be stopped surgically.

Causes

Why does a person sneeze? This reflex reaction is usually caused by dust particles. These include plant fluff, animal hair, dead skin particles, mold and other small agents that irritate the nasal mucosa, which leads to sneezing. To irritants also include tobacco smoke, household chemicals, perfumes.

In addition, sneezing can be caused by:

  • allergies;
  • any pungent and intense odour;
  • inhalation of spices;
  • change of weather indoors or outdoors;
  • air fresheners;
  • dry air;
  • irritation of nasal receptors by bright light;
  • emotional factors;
  • dirty air;
  • artificial stimulation of receptors (for example, with a handkerchief or finger).

In addition, some pregnant women often sneeze. This is caused by hormonal changes taking place in their body. And, of course, frequent sneezes are one of the symptoms of many infectious diseases, as well as inflammatory pathologies of the respiratory tract (flu, SARS, measles, and others).

Diagnostics

Frequent sneezing is usually just one of the symptoms of rhinitis or some other pathology. Therefore, patients seek help from a therapist. The doctor conducts an examination, after which, based on the information received, he prescribes tests and other examinations to confirm the initial diagnosis.

If a person has a cold, then no additional examinations are usually required. You can start treatment right away. But if, in addition to sneezing, unusual symptoms are observed (for example, backache in the ear, severe cough, red throat), then the patient may be referred for an appointment with an ENT.

If an infection is suspected, contact an infectious disease specialist. This is especially true for adults who have “childhood” diseases (measles, rubella, chickenpox). These pathologies in adulthood are extremely difficult, and if therapy is not started on time, a number of serious complications may develop.

If, in addition to sneezing, there is an unpleasant smell from the mouth, heartburn, belching, then most likely, sneezing provokes a disease of the digestive system. In this case, it is necessary to contact a gastroenterologist to make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe a course of therapy.

If the cause of sneezing is an allergy, allergy testing is indicated. In addition, patients are usually prescribed standard urine and blood tests.

If respiratory disease is suspected, chest X-ray, MRI, or CT is performed. Less often, patients are sent for endoscopy, ultrasound of internal organs. If it turns out that chronic rhinitis is the cause of frequent sneezing, then the doctor may perform a rhinoscopy. A correct diagnosis and adequate treatment will help you quickly get rid of not only sneezing, but also the underlying disease that caused this reflex act.

Treatment

How to stop sneezing? With a runny nose caused by SARS, no special treatment is required. The patient is shown bed rest for several days. The nose should be washed with saline solutions to remove exudate and virus particles that have settled on the mucous membrane. If for no reason breathing is difficult and there is a feeling of nasal congestion, then vasoconstrictor drops can be used. Attention! Only a doctor should prescribe such drops. With self-medication and long-term use of these drugs, addiction develops, which leads to the development of a number of serious complications.

How do I stop sneezing caused by allergies? First of all, you should limit contact with potential allergens as much as possible (if possible, stay outside during the flowering period of plants, regularly ventilate the room to get rid of dust, and do wet cleaning). Foods that provoke the release of histamine (nuts, coffee, chocolate, citrus fruits, strawberries) should be excluded from the diet.

How to stop sneezing many times in a row without stopping with conservative treatment? Topical therapy is indicated to resolve this problem and relieve other clinical signs. There are several types of nasal drops that are designed to treat different types of rhinitis.

If the disease has an infectious etiology, then the use of antimicrobial agents is indicated; for viral pathologies, interferons and immunomodulators are often used.

Topical glucocorticosteroid sprays are often prescribed in addition to antihistamines to manage frequent sneezing due to allergies.

In case of chronic inflammation of the nasal mucosa, electrophoresis with diphenhydramine, calcium, and vitamins is indicated. This helps to relieve swelling and dryness of the mucosa, improves local metabolic processes, and has a vasodilating effect. In addition, paraffin treatment, UHF, acupuncture give a good result.

If conservative therapy fails, surgery may be needed to normalize nasal breathing.

Recommendations

Why can’t we stop sneezing?

If you feel like sneezing, do it. No need to suppress a sneeze or try to make it quieter. Closing the nose to contain a sneeze can damage the eardrum and injure the cervical vertebrae. In addition, excess air can enter the brain.

Holding your breath may cause rupture of blood vessels in the eyes or bleeding from the nose. And if, at the same time, the mouth is still tightly closed, this can lead to the pathological appearance of air in the chest, between the lungs and swelling of the oral mucosa.

How to sneeze correctly?

Keep the nose open and cover the mouth with a handkerchief. Most people sneeze with their eyes closed. This is due to the fact that the brain at this moment sends a signal to the muscles to contract.

If you are embarrassed to sneeze loudly in public places, you can control the urge by pressing your finger on the area under your nose, rubbing the bridge of your nose, or pressing your tongue against your two front teeth. If you can’t resist the urge, then cover your mouth so as not to spray germs on people around you. It is best to use a napkin or a disposable paper handkerchief for this, which can then be immediately thrown into the trash.

Article sources:

  1. Allergic rhinitis: are there any problems? A case from clinical practice. Sebekina O.V., Peredkova E.V., Nenasheva N.M. Medical Council No. 4, 2020. p.74-82
  2. Colds in children. How to treat a runny nose? Karpova E.P., Tulupov D.A., Vorobieva M.P. Medical Council No. 16, 2016. p.56-58
  3. Seasonal allergic rhinitis: modern possibilities of therapy. Kamasheva G.R., Nadeeva R.A., Amirov N.B. Bulletin of modern clinical medicine, volume 8, issue 6, 2015. p.44-48

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Frequent sneezing can be due to various reasons.

What to do if you sneeze?

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    Sneezing is a protective reflex reaction. Sneezing is manifested in an involuntary sharp reflex exhalation through the nose and mouth, in response to irritation of the nasal mucosa by allergens, gaseous substances or aerosol mixtures.
    The most common causes of sneezing are: dust, strong odors, bright lights, plant pollen, particles of wool, dander, animal nails, etc. At the same time, plant pollen, grass, mold, animal skin flakes and house dust particles are potential allergens that provoke sneezing.
    Common irritants are tobacco smoke and perfumes.
    For a more effective removal of harmful substances, sneezing is accompanied by nasal discharge (runny nose), itching of the nasal mucosa, swelling of the nasal mucosa, redness of the eyes and tearing.

    What diseases are possible with this symptom?

    In acute rhinitis against the background of SARS, sneezing can also occur along with cough, pain and sore throat, malaise, and fever.
    In addition, rhinitis of pregnancy, which is associated with hormonal changes occurring in a woman’s body, may be accompanied by sneezing during pregnancy.
    Periodic prolonged attacks of sneezing against the background of difficulty in nasal breathing and itching in the nose without general malaise is one of the main signs of allergic rhinitis (sneezing with allergies).
    To better understand the causes of frequent and prolonged bouts of sneezing, of course, you need to contact an ENT doctor.
    Allergy testing is mandatory. If allergens are identified, we give recommendations on a hypoallergenic diet and lifestyle. In terms of the treatment of allergic rhinitis, we widely use homeopathic remedies.

    Important!

    It is strictly contraindicated when sneezing to pinch the wings of the nose, because in this case, the mucous discharge of the nasal cavity can get into the mouth of the auditory tubes (the openings of the ears in the nose), which can lead to the development of acute otitis media.
    The most effective folk way to reduce the desire to sneeze is to massage the bridge of the nose.

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