FitSugar

Neti Pot Use Could Cause Sinus Problems?

FitSugar — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 11:15:00 -0800

Pollen and cat fur are not my friends, and when I become so stuffed up I can't smell a thing, I turn to my neti pot. It looks like a little teapot. You fill it with warm salt water, place the spout in one nostril and as the water passes through your nasal passages and comes out the other nostril; it helps get rid of irritants and mucus so you can breathe easier. I know it sounds medieval, but it really works whether I'm stuffed up from smelling flowers or if I have a cold. Last Spring I was happy to hear that science backed up the use of a neti pot to relieve congestion, but I've got some bad news for my fellow neti pot lovers. A new study shows that long-term use of the neti pot can actually cause sinus problems. The study followed 68 people who used their neti for a year, and then took a break for a year. The rate of sinusitis actually dropped by 62 percent in the year that the participants stopped using the neti pot.

Researchers believe that the mucus in your nasal passages acts as a defense against infection, and flushing it away disrupts your body's immune function. They recommend that neti pots be used every once in a while to relieve congestion, but should not be used daily for an extended period of time. If you have issues with constantly being stuffed up, see your doctor so they can help figure out the cause of your congestion and how to treat it.

If you've never heard of a neti pot and want to see how it's used, check out a how-to video when you read more.

Source: Flickr User Thirteen Of Clubs

Should Perfume Be Altered to Reduce Allergens?

FitSugar — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 08:00:52 -0700

Did you know that the perfume industry has a reigning watchdog? I didn't. It's called the International Fragrance Association (IFRA), and its latest set of regulations will require many perfume makers to change their scents.

According to the IFRA, new standards are "a necessary evil" to protect individuals with severe skin allergies. Those in the perfume industry aren't buying the explanation. They think that the regulations are strict and unnecessary, citing that perfume allergies are generally mild. People with a perfume allergy might disagree, though. Common symptoms include itchy eyes, skin rashes, and in severe cases, anaphylactic shock.

Under the new rules, fragrance houses will have to cut back on their use of allergens - like jasmine and other aromas - in perfume recipes. It's unknown how many classic scents will have to be altered as a result.

What do you think about this?

Grab Your Tissues: Fall Allergy Quiz

FitSugar — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 09:00:58 -0700

If you're suffering from itchy eyes, sneezing, and a runny nose, taking this little quiz may help relieve your symptoms.

Take the quiz

When Are Your Seasonal Allergies Worst?

FitSugar — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 08:00:00 -0700

Pollen from any old tree, flower, or grass irritates me, so my seasonal allergy symptoms are pretty miserable in the Spring and Summer. Depending on where you live and what's growing, your symptoms may be worse at certain times of the year. So tell me . . .

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Fight Seasonal Allergies With Heat

FitSugar — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 03:30:00 -0700

If seasonal allergies are preventing you from breathing through your nose, you can take decongestants, but they'll end up drying you up everywhere, even your lady business. Plus they can make you feel kind of spaced out and tired.

A natural alternative I've found that relieves congestion is to raise your body temperature through exercise. Choose heart-pumping activities such as running, biking, hiking, cardio kickboxing, or exercise in a heated room such as Bikram or Ashtanga yoga. Do it for at least 20 minutes, and once you start sweating, your nasal congestion will start to thin out a little, making it easier to blow your nose and clear your sinuses. Just make sure you have a pack of tissues with you so you can get rid of the mucus instead of sniffing it back in.

If the pollen count is really high outside, do your cardio inside to avoid aggravating your symptoms.

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Smoking Kills but May Prevent Allergies

FitSugar — Tue, 19 May 2009 03:00:00 -0700

Smoking is one of the worst habits you can take up since it's linked to all sorts of health risks such as lung cancer, emphysema, and cardiovascular disease. That's a pretty convincing list to make anyone quit (or never start), but a recent study suggests one surprisingly good thing could come out of smoking - prevention of certain types of allergies.

Smoking cigarettes decreases the body's allergic response by obstructing the activity of mast cells (cells that contain histamine). This study was performed on mouse mast cells, but researches think the same antiallergy effect will hold true for people too. That's not to say you should take up smoking to cure your springtime sniffles and sneezing, but it could help explain why smokers are less susceptible to allergy symptoms.

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Dealing With Allergies' Side Effects: Dark Circles Under the Eyes

FitSugar — Tue, 05 May 2009 10:00:00 -0700

If you suffer from seasonal allergies, sneezing and a stuffy nose might not be the only side effects you have to suffer through. For some people, nasal congestion can cause blood flow to back up under the eyes, and this causes an allergy shiner. The skin under the eyes is thin and the congested veins in the area can give the appearance of dark circles. Some sufferers may also notice puffiness, because allergies are nature's gift that keep on giving.

To decrease the appearance of the circles, you need get your allergies under control as much as possible. If you know what you're allergic to, avoid it. If that's not a possibility, try allergy medication, which should prevent congestion in your nose and sinuses. If you still notice a dark shadow or swelling under your eyes, I will share my favorite natural remedy when you read more.

Dip a washcloth in cold water, and then ring it out. Hold this cold compress over your closed eyes for about five minutes. You can also use sliced cucumbers instead. Repeat this a few times a day. The cold temperature will help constrict your blood vessels, minimizing darkness, and it will also help minimize tissue swelling.

Also be sure to apply facial sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or 30 under the eyes every day since sun exposure can darken skin even more.

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Speak Up: How Do You Find Seasonal Allergy Relief?

FitSugar — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 16:00:00 -0700

A good percentage of the population suffers from seasonal allergies, and springtime can be the worst with all the new plants budding. To find relief, I'm a regular neti pot user and am always telling people to use one too. The warm salt water helps flush pollen, dust, and mold spores out of my nose, which helps prevent symptoms. When dealing with pain from sinus congestion, I also suggest people use a therapeutic warming pillow. The heat helps loosen up mucus, which helps alleviate sinus pressure.

If you too deal with seasonal allergy symptoms, I'm sure you have some great remedies, so share them in the comment section below.

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Tips For Avoiding Pollen

FitSugar — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 03:30:00 -0700

If you suffer from seasonal allergies, Spring is probably not your favorite time of year. All the pollen floating around causes sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, and sinus congestion, which can make a person miserable. Here are some ways to avoid this plant allergen.

Limit your outdoor activity when pollen counts are high. Pollen counts are usually highest in late morning and early afternoon. Emission of the allergen starts between 5 a.m. and 10 a.m. High temps, high humidity, and wind all increase pollen count. Pollen counts are the lowest after it rains. You can also check the local pollen count where you live by going to weather.com.
Exercise indoors at a gym or in your home.
Change your clothes after you've been outside to avoid coming into contact with pollen that might be sticking to them.

To hear other ways you can avoid this powdery allergen, read more.

If you spend a lot of time outside, wash your hair often to remove pollen.
Don't touch pets that have been outside.
As beautiful as they are, don't keep flowers in your house.
Keep windows closed in your home to prevent pollen from blowing in. If you're hot, use air conditioning.
Wear a mask. This may seem extreme, but it can decrease the amount of pollen you inhale.

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Achoo! Spring Allergy Quiz

FitSugar — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 04:30:00 -0700

Spring allergies are blowing in with a bang and many people are suffering from runny noses, congestion, itchy and watery eyes, coughing, and difficulty breathing. If you have seasonal allergies, here are some things you should know.

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Take the quiz