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.
