Summer Allergies Cause Sinus Sufferers To Miss Out On Work Or Social Activities

Main Category: Allergy
Also Included In: Ear, Nose and Throat
Article Date: 03 Aug 2008 - 8:00 PDT

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While summer is the time of year people like to spend most of their day outside, summer allergens keep many sinus sufferers from enjoying activities such as barbequing, hanging out at the pool and spending time in the park, to name a few.

In fact, a new survey of more than 1,000 consumers shows that one-third of sinus sufferers say they miss or cut short social outings or business engagements because of their symptoms. With ragweed season right around the corner, sinus problems will flare for the millions of Americans suffering with seasonal allergies. But, surprisingly, the majority of allergy sufferers (64%) do not do anything to relieve their symptoms, according to the survey. The reason may be that more than two out of five sinus sufferers say their sinus or allergy medication does not work.

However, there is the option of saline nasal wash, which is a physician-recommended, natural technique that relieves sinus symptoms by gently rinsing away allergens and excessive mucus that can lead to irritation and infection. One person who knows how much sinus problems can impact their livelihood and quality of life is Mandy-Rae Cruickshank, a seven time world-record holding freediver, who is also a chronic sinus sufferer.

"I have always struggled with sinus issues, which creates a challenge since I dive nearly everyday. It also affected my social life outside of competitive freediving," says Mandy-Rae. "When I discovered Sinus Rinse, a saline nasal wash in a squeeze bottle, I was amazed by how well it works to relieve my symptoms so I can enjoy my career as well as other outdoor activities."

Saline nasal wash is a clinically proven technique to alleviate allergy and sinus symptoms. A recent study shows more than a 50% reduction in symptoms by users of NeilMed's Sinus Rinse. Additionally, daily saline nasal rinsing improves sinus-related quality of life and decreases medication use such as antibiotics in patients with frequent sinusitis, according to another study.

"The nose is one of the body's filters so cleansing the nasal passages of dust and allergens that cause inflammation is crucial for good respiratory health," says Jay Youngerman, MD of North Shore Hospital at Plainview and Long Island ENT Associates. "While most people think of allergies as an inconvenience, symptoms can worsen leading to an infection or sinusitis. Simple preventive methods such as saline nasal wash in a squeeze bottle can be used daily over the long term to reduce or alleviate sinus symptoms."

More Survey Findings

• Consumers are exposed to summertime allergens frequently. Americans spend an average of nearly four hours each day outside in the summer; more than a quarter report spending six or more hours outdoors.
  
  
• Allergies are a chronic problem. About half of Americans do not know that outdoor allergies can plague sinus sufferers year-round.
  
  
• Nearly one in five consumers experience constant sinus problems. More men (41%) than women (32%) say they rarely or never treat their symptoms.
  
  
• Saline nasal rinse can easily be added to the hygiene routine everyday. Americans spend an average of nine minutes on daily cleanliness regimens like brushing teeth, washing face and protecting skin so why not - in less time than that - wash your nasal passages.

About the Survey Methodology

This telephone survey was conducted by Opinion Research Corporation's CARAVAN® among a national probability sample of 1,004 adults comprised of 500 men and 504 women who are 18 years of age and older and live in private households in the continental United States. Interviewing for this CARAVAN® survey was completed during the period of June 6 to 9, 2008. The survey was sponsored by NeilMed Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

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Article adapted by Medical News Today from original press release.
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About Mandy-Rae Cruickshank

Mandy-Rae Cruickshank is a world-record holder for professional freediving, also known as competitive apnea, a sport in which competitors attempt to swim great distances or depths on a single breath without assistance of an underwater breathing device. Mandy-Rae began freediving in 2000 and by year's end, placed third in her first Association for the International Development of Apnea (AIDA) team competition. Since then, Mandy-Rae has captured seven world records.

About Allergies and Sinusitis

Allergies, medically known as allergic rhinitis, describe a variety of symptoms resulting from the body's reaction to foreign substances. When people suffering from allergies are exposed to a normally harmless substance, the immune system triggers an elevated response as if the substance were harmful which results in allergic rhinitis or sinusitis. Known allergens are pollen, grass, molds, dust or environmental pollutants, smoking and smog. Allergies can either be a chronic condition experienced throughout the year or triggered seasonally by exposure to allergens that are present at particular times of the year.

Sinusitis is an inflammation of the mucosa of various sinuses, which are located in and around the nasal passages. Causes of sinusitis are cold viruses, allergens, bacterial or fungal infections, smoking, nasal polyps, nasal septum deviation and severe acid reflux. Symptoms of sinusitis include nasal congestion, runny nose, nasal discharge, pain in jaw, loss of sense of smell and taste, headache, nighttime cough, persistent fatigue and fever.

About Sinus Rinse™ Kit

Sinus Rinse™ is a natural and therapeutic technique to soothe and treat most allergy- and sinus-related symptoms, both chronic and seasonal. Sinus Rinse™ is an easy-to-use, squeeze-bottle system to rinse nasal passages and relieve irritation and symptoms. It has been clinically shown to treat and soothe sinus symptoms caused by allergens: runny nose, sinus pressure, headaches, congestion, sneezing, and nasal irritation.

Sinus Rinse™ is used worldwide by millions of consumers and is available over-the-counter at 55,000 pharmacies and drug stores in the United States and 11 countries worldwide. National chain drug stores that carry Sinus Rinse™ include CVS, Duane Reade, Longs, Rite Aid, Walgreens and Wal-Mart, among others.

About NeilMed

NeilMed Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a physician-founded and family owned business that invents and manufactures products to relieve nasal and sinus symptoms. NeilMed is the world's category leader for saline nasal irrigation products, according to A.C. Nielsen data. The company was founded by Ketan C. Mehta, MD, president, and his wife Nina Mehta, chief executive officer. Dr. Mehta is a lung specialist and practicing physician with a medical practice in Santa Rosa, Calif. For more information, visit http://www.neilmed.com/.

Source:
NeilMed Pharmaceuticals, Inc.