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 Hayfever 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 [r2] 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 American[r3] s 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 [r4] 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 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.