Better breathing leads to better sleep
Many medications and drug-free alternatives are available to treat nasal congestion. Important steps include determining the cause of the congestion and selecting a treatment that is of benefit with minimal risk.
Nasal congestion (or "stuffy nose") is probably the most common symptom of a cold or allergies. When irritants or "foreign invaders" come into contact with the nasal linings, the blood vessels of the nose expand, and the membranes fill with excess blood, resulting in redness, swelling and stuffiness.
This swelling makes it hard to breathe because it blocks the normal flow of air.
Nasal congestion may be caused by the common cold or flu, seasonal or chronic allergies, or even a sinus infection. It can cause minor problems, such as dry mouth and a sore nose, and more serious issues, such as problems with hearing.
The most bothersome problem associated with nasal congestion may be how it can interfere with our ability to get a good night's sleep. Poor sleep caused by congestion, swelling and an inability to breathe adequately at night has serious consequences. It can result in accidents, both at school and at work or while driving. Inadequate sleep has been linked to a decrease in physical and mental performance, as well as an increase in memory lapses and behaviour and mood problems.
Fortunately, many treatment options are available for nasal congestion. A nasal aspirator for children can help clear mucus. Nasal moisturisers and nasal sprays with saline usually are safe for use in children, pregnant women and the elderly. Increasing the humidity of the air with vaporisers or humidifiers also can be helpful, and a menthol product can be added to the vaporiser to reduce congestion and ease breathing. Because congestion is worse when you are lying down, it is best to keep your head slightly upright or elevated when sleeping.
Oral decongestants such as phenylephrine and pseudoephedrine are contained in over-the-counter cold products as well as in prescription medications. They help relieve congestion by shrinking blood vessels in the lining inside the nose.
They are commonly taken with an antihistamine for allergies because they do not provide relief for allergy symptoms. Side effects associated with these drugs include nervousness, irritability, increased heart rate and blood pressure, and palpitations. The stimulation caused by oral decongestants can interfere with sleep, so they are not recommended for use at bedtime. They also can interfere with urinary flow in men. People with heart disease, high blood pressure, thyroid problems, diabetes or Parkinson's disease should avoid these drugs because they can aggravate those conditions. Because they can hurt a developing foetus, their use by women who are pregnant is not recommended without consulting a physician.
Other decongestants include nasal sprays and drops, which can temporarily relieve congestion. Although side effects are not as frequent as with oral drugs, topical decongestants may cause irritation to the area. Also, these products should be used for no more than three days because using them beyond this time may result in rebound congestion. This is a common problem where a continual nasal congestion develops that improves only when additional drops are used. Ultimately, the congestion becomes worse despite the frequent doses.
Then the decongestant must be stopped so that the nasal passageway can return to normal. This process may take two to three days, during which time saline or nasal strips may be used to alleviate the symptoms.
The use of nasal strips, such as Breathe Right nasal strips, is an excellent option for those with nasal congestion. Breathe Right nasal strips work immediately to relieve congestion by opening nasal passages for better breathing. Each strip consists of two parallel bands of flexible plastic embedded in a special pad and is secured to the skin between the bridge and the tip of the nose. The strip gently lifts the outside of the nose to open the nasal valve, which is the narrowest part of the nasal passageway, thereby improving airflow.
Breathe Right nasal strips can be used for up to 12 hours at a time, day or night, for immediate long-lasting relief. The strips are drug-free - so you need not worry about drug interactions making a pre-existing medical condition (such as high blood pressure or diabetes) worse, or about drug side effects.
These nasal strips are recommended by many pharmacists as a safe and effective treatment to alleviate bothersome congestion and snoring associated with colds and allergies.
• Breathe Right strips is distributed in Malta by George Farrugia & Sons Ltd. More information may be obtained by e-mail: info@gfsltd.com
This swelling makes it hard to breathe because it blocks the normal flow of air.
Nasal congestion may be caused by the common cold or flu, seasonal or chronic allergies, or even a sinus infection. It can cause minor problems, such as dry mouth and a sore nose, and more serious issues, such as problems with hearing.
The most bothersome problem associated with nasal congestion may be how it can interfere with our ability to get a good night's sleep. Poor sleep caused by congestion, swelling and an inability to breathe adequately at night has serious consequences. It can result in accidents, both at school and at work or while driving. Inadequate sleep has been linked to a decrease in physical and mental performance, as well as an increase in memory lapses and behaviour and mood problems.
Fortunately, many treatment options are available for nasal congestion. A nasal aspirator for children can help clear mucus. Nasal moisturisers and nasal sprays with saline usually are safe for use in children, pregnant women and the elderly. Increasing the humidity of the air with vaporisers or humidifiers also can be helpful, and a menthol product can be added to the vaporiser to reduce congestion and ease breathing. Because congestion is worse when you are lying down, it is best to keep your head slightly upright or elevated when sleeping.
Oral decongestants such as phenylephrine and pseudoephedrine are contained in over-the-counter cold products as well as in prescription medications. They help relieve congestion by shrinking blood vessels in the lining inside the nose.
They are commonly taken with an antihistamine for allergies because they do not provide relief for allergy symptoms. Side effects associated with these drugs include nervousness, irritability, increased heart rate and blood pressure, and palpitations. The stimulation caused by oral decongestants can interfere with sleep, so they are not recommended for use at bedtime. They also can interfere with urinary flow in men. People with heart disease, high blood pressure, thyroid problems, diabetes or Parkinson's disease should avoid these drugs because they can aggravate those conditions. Because they can hurt a developing foetus, their use by women who are pregnant is not recommended without consulting a physician.
Other decongestants include nasal sprays and drops, which can temporarily relieve congestion. Although side effects are not as frequent as with oral drugs, topical decongestants may cause irritation to the area. Also, these products should be used for no more than three days because using them beyond this time may result in rebound congestion. This is a common problem where a continual nasal congestion develops that improves only when additional drops are used. Ultimately, the congestion becomes worse despite the frequent doses.
Then the decongestant must be stopped so that the nasal passageway can return to normal. This process may take two to three days, during which time saline or nasal strips may be used to alleviate the symptoms.
The use of nasal strips, such as Breathe Right nasal strips, is an excellent option for those with nasal congestion. Breathe Right nasal strips work immediately to relieve congestion by opening nasal passages for better breathing. Each strip consists of two parallel bands of flexible plastic embedded in a special pad and is secured to the skin between the bridge and the tip of the nose. The strip gently lifts the outside of the nose to open the nasal valve, which is the narrowest part of the nasal passageway, thereby improving airflow.
Breathe Right nasal strips can be used for up to 12 hours at a time, day or night, for immediate long-lasting relief. The strips are drug-free - so you need not worry about drug interactions making a pre-existing medical condition (such as high blood pressure or diabetes) worse, or about drug side effects.
These nasal strips are recommended by many pharmacists as a safe and effective treatment to alleviate bothersome congestion and snoring associated with colds and allergies.
• Breathe Right strips is distributed in Malta by George Farrugia & Sons Ltd. More information may be obtained by e-mail: info@gfsltd.com