Why do sneezes smell like honey?

Achoo, sugary sneezing is an uncommon experience.

Published: November 11, 2016 at 2:00 pm

Asked by: Jill Smye-Waldenhurst, Little Horning

Most people’s don’t… but a significant minority do report a sweet or floral smell when they sneeze. This could be the smell of ketones from your bloodstream, which might be a sign of diabetes. But it is much more likely to be the cocktail of chemicals produced by the bacteria living in your sinuses or ears.

Be grateful that yours smell of honey – some people’s sinus bacteria give them the sneeze equivalent of halitosis.

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