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Reverse sneezing, also known as inspiratory paroxysmal respiration, is a clinical event that occurs in dogs. It is possibly caused by a muscle spasm at the back of the dog’s mouth, more specifically where the muscle and throat meet. Other hypotheses state that it occurs when the dog’s soft palate gets irritated. The irritation causes spasms in the soft palate muscle thus narrowing the trachea. Because the trachea is narrowed, the dog isn’t able to inhale a full breath of air, resulting in forceful attempts to inhale through their nose. This causes the dog to experience reverse sneezing.
The clinical symptoms seem to occur more in brachycephalic dog breeds such as Boxer, English- and French bulldogs. The specific cause of reverse sneezing is unknown but there could be a link between nasal, pharyngeal or sinus irritation which increases the production of mucus. In attempt to remove this excess mucus, reverse sneezing can be observed. Another hypothesis is based on the overexcitement of the dog which might cause reverse sneezing. Reverse sneezing might also be caused by a previous diagnosis such as tracheal collapse.
During an episode of reverse sneezing, symptoms such as sudden, involuntary respiratory reflex can be noted. As a response to reverse sneezing, the air is sucked in through the nose in a series of rapid and forceful inhalations. An episode of reverse sneezing usually lasts for 30 seconds or less although it might feel longer for the owner. For reverse sneezing, there are no confirmed treatments yet to be found, but there are some commonly used remedies.