Allergy Relief

A blocked nose is one of the most irritating symptoms of allergies, such as hayfever, but it can be easily controlled.

What is an allergy?

An allergy is when the body reacts to a particular substance, called an allergen. Hayfever is an allergy to pollen, from flowers, grass and trees, and usually affects people in the spring/summer months. Some people, however, suffer all year round as they are allergic to dust mites, pet hair and mould spores.

What are the symptoms of allergy?

Allergies can cause a number of symptoms, such as:

• blocked nose – called nasal congestion
• runny nose
• itchy nose
• sneezing
• itchy, watery eyes.

As an allergy sufferer you may find having a blocked nose is one of the most irritating symptoms. It makes it hard to breathe through the nose and you might find it easier to breathe through your mouth. At night, your blocked nose can lead to problems sleeping. Almost half of allergy sufferers experiencing nasal congestion say it affects their ability to work or do other activities⁵. So, something as simple as a blocked nose actually has a major impact on your quality of life.

How can it be treated?

If you want rapid relief from the congestion, try Breathe Right Nasal Strips. Antihistamines and steroid-containing nasal sprays also relieve allergies; however, these can often contain drugs. Breathe Right Nasal Strips are drug-free and rapidly relieve nasal congestion caused by allergies.

How do Breathe Right Nasal Strips work?

Breathe Right Nasal Strips gently open the nasal passages to rapidly ease nasal congestion. Many people with allergies will also find they snore, as their nasal congestion makes it hard to breathe through the nose. Research showed that Breathe Right Nasal Strips improved snoring in 80% of chronic rhinitis sufferers⁴.

How do allergens cause a blocked nose?

When an allergy sufferer comes into contact with an allergen, it sets off a reaction in the body. This causes the blood vessels in the nose to swell up, narrowing the nasal passages. This makes it harder to breathe through the nose, and gives us that familiar blocked up feeling.

What else can I do?

If hayfever is your problem then keep windows closed, wear sunglasses to help protect your eyes and avoid pollen-rich areas (parks, fields, areas of long grass) where possible, especially at the peak pollen times of early morning and dusk.

If pets trigger your allergy then wash them regularly and keep them well-groomed, regularly wash pet bedding and baskets and clean the house regularly.

If house dust mites are the problem then vacuum floors regularly, wash all bedding at 60 degrees or above, use allergen-proof covers on mattresses, duvets and pillows and remove carpets as these trap moisture, allowing dust mites to thrive.