WHAT IS NASAL
CONGESTION, EXACTLY?
Nasal congestion is simply a ‘blocked”, stuffy nose – something we’re all familiar with. It starts when the lining in your nasal passages becomes inflamed and irritated – causing mucus to build up and mucus tissue to become swollen. The combination of extra mucus and swelling makes your nose feel clogged, you may have a runny nose or even sinus pain. Depending on the cause, it can be temporary or chronic, mildly annoying to miserable.
The most common causes are:
- Colds
- Allergies
- Sinusitis or sinus infections
- Deviated septum
- Nasal polyps
- Trauma to the nose
WHAT IS NASAL
DRYNESS, EXACTLY?
This is when there is a general lack of moisture in the nostrils and nasal passages, and you feel the irritation somewhat. An extremely dry nose, though, can cause real discomfort and be embarrassing. Severe cases even interfere with your nose’s basic functions: smelling and filtering impurities from the air. In these cases, the skin inside the nose can develop painful fissures that bleed, and crusts can form that are prone to infections.
What causes nasal dryness?
The most common culprits are environmental, either in the home or outdoors – things like dust, pollen and pet dander and pollution. Dry winter temperatures and heating can cause it, as can summer air conditioning, which robs the air of humidity. Certain medications can cause nasal dryness, as can some medical conditions.
When to see your doctor:
- You have signs of a sinus infection: a high fever, pain in your sinus areas, a bad taste in your mouth and post-nasal drip, or a yellow or green discharge when you blow your nose
- Your symptoms have not improved after 10 days
- Dryness persists or becomes painful
- You received a blow to the head or face, especially if there is clear fluid or blood coming from your nose
For children under 2 months with nasal congestion!
Children under two months old should be seen by a doctor if they are congested and have a fever, are unable to nurse or take a bottle, or have trouble breathing.
The content included in this section is for information purposes only. This is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. For any personal medical advice, please consult your healthcare professional.
NASAL HYGIENE
Include your nose in your everyday routine
YOUR HEALTH CAN LEAD BY A NOSE!
Here’s to the nose, our natural air-purifier! It’s one of our first lines of defense and a built-in filter against microbes, impurities and irritants, so it makes sense to keep it in top condition so it can do its job properly.
Good nasal hygiene can really ease nasal congestion. In addition, daily nose ‘washing’ gets rid of any existing mucus and allergens
For the whole family, keeping nasal passages clean, clear and well lubricated combats dryness that can lead to irritation and mucus buildup.
HEALTHY STARTS AT HOME
Did you know it can be more polluted inside your home than outside? Nasal congestion and dryness can often be caused by something under your own roof. Fortunately we have lots of helpful hints for keeping your house healthier for your family and reducing or eliminating potential irritants and triggers.
DAILY NASAL HYGIENE: BE DICE TO YOUR DOSE!
Whether you start or end your day with a gentle saline nose wash, you’ll see the benefits of clean, well-conditioned nasal passages right away: you’ll have less sinus pressure, and you’ll sneeze, sniffle and blow your nose much less. Daily hygiene helps to remove inhaled pollen, dust and pollutants that can cause nasal congestion, allergies and sinus problems. You’ll ease any symptoms that do arise, so your sleep may not be affected and you get the rest you need.
It’s important to know the difference between saline nasal solutions and medicated nasal decongestants. Saline solutions are suited to daily hygiene because they pose no danger of “rebound effect”.
WHERE TO FIND RHINARIS®?
