 About Nasal Congestion
Millions of Americans battle nasal congestion each year, often as a result of allergies or colds. Dealing with congestion can be frustrating, but many people can’t let it get in their way.
Keep reading to learn more about what might be causing your nasal congestion because knowing the source of your congestion is the first step to finding the treatment that’s right for you.
About Allergies
Fact: Allergies are the fifth leading chronic disease in the U.S.
- More than 36 million people suffer from allergies in the U.S., one of the most common causes of nasal congestion.
- If both of your parents have allergies, there is a 70 percent chance that you will have them too. Yet, if one parent has allergies, there is a 48 percent chance of you having them.
- Allergies are often associated with nasal congestion, sneezing, itchy, watery eyes and a runny nose, which can really slow you down.
- An allergy causes your body’s immune system to overreact to normally harmless substances, called “triggers”, such as dust, mold, pollen or pet dander. For some, it can be difficult to avoid these triggers.
- Other names for these allergies include “hay fever,” “allergic rhinitis,” “indoor/outdoor allergies,” and “seasonal or perennial allergies.”
About Sinus Congestion
Fact: Sinus congestion is often caused by colds and allergies.
- Sinus congestion is caused by the swelling of the mucus linings of your sinuses. This swelling can lead to air and mucus becoming trapped behind the narrowed openings of the sinuses, which can cause pain or pressure.
- People who suffer from allergies are prone to develop episodes of sinus congestion.
- Some symptoms people should watch out for include stuffy nose, sinus pressure, headache, facial pain and pain between your eyes.
About Colds
Fact: There is no evidence that the weather or temperature actually causes a cold.
- Americans battle more than one billion colds each year.
- Adults average about two to four colds a year, although the range varies widely. However, women tend to get colds more often than men. Symptoms of the common cold include mucus build up in your nose, difficulty breathing through your nose, swelling of your sinuses, sneezing, sore throat, cough and headache.
- Colds are caused by viruses. In fact, there are more than 200 viruses that can infect a person with this pesky and common illness.
- While colds are more prevalent during the fall and winter seasons, this is not because of the temperature. Colds are more likely to occur during these seasons because people spend more time inside during these months touching “shared surfaces,” such as phones, desks and tables, where these viruses can live.
How to Tackle Your Stuffiness
Fact: Some of the nasal decongestants you used to rely on are still available but located behind the pharmacy or service counter, or “BTC.”
- Dealing with the nasal congestion can be uncomfortable.
- While it’s difficult to prevent getting sick and may sometimes be difficult to avoid the triggers that cause allergic reactions, there are steps that you can take to manage your symptoms.
- Many people are unaware that some of the allergy and nasal decongestant medicines they have relied on for years are still available, but are now located behind the pharmacy or service counter, or “BTC.”
- These products contain pseudoephedrine, a different nasal decongestant than what’s in products sold on store shelves, and were placed behind the pharmacy/service counter to better ensure these medicines are not used inappropriately.
- Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about your treatment options. Visit www.myhealthyseasons.com to learn more about what’s causing your congestion. You can also visit www.myhealthyseasons.com for more information on allergies.
This information does not constitute medical advice and is not a substitute for talking to your healthcare professional.
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