From runny nose to congestion, what causes hayfever.
Spring has arrived, and for many people across Australia and New Zealand, that means the return of pollen allergies and hay fever.
Hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, can cause sneezing, itchy or watery eyes, a runny nose, an itchy nose and nasal congestion. For some people, the feeling of having a constantly blocked nose can be one of the most frustrating allergy symptoms.
Millions globally experience allergic rhinitis, so if spring has you reaching for the tissues again, you’re certainly not alone.
But why does pollen cause these symptoms? What happens inside your nose when you breathe in an allergen?
What causes hay fever and pollen allergy symptoms?
Your nose is one of your body’s first lines of defence against the outside world.
Every time you breathe in, your nose and airways come into contact with tiny particles in the environment, including pollen, dust, mould and pet dander.
Your respiratory system has a natural cleaning process called the mucociliary transport system. You can think of it as a microscopic conveyor belt that helps move mucus and trapped particles through your airways.
Mucus helps trap particles that enter your nose, while tiny hair-like structures called cilia continuously move the mucus towards the back of your nose and throat, where it can be cleared.
Normally, this process happens without you noticing.
However, if you have an allergy to pollen or another allergen, your immune system can mistakenly identify the harmless substance as a threat. This triggers an inflammatory response that can cause the familiar symptoms of hay fever.
These symptoms may include:
- Sneezing
- An itchy nose
- A runny nose
- A blocked or congested nose
- Itchy or watery eyes
- Post-nasal drip
Why does hay fever cause a blocked nose?
When your immune system reacts to an allergen such as pollen, the tissues inside your nose can become inflamed and swollen. This inflammation can narrow the nasal passages, making it harder to breathe comfortably through your nose.
Increased mucus production can also contribute to nasal congestion.
That combination of swelling and mucus is what can create the familiar feeling of a stuffy, blocked or congested nose during allergy season.
How can Goodair Nosebuds help with nasal congestion?
Pollen isn't the only airborne allergen that can trigger allergy symptoms.
Dust, mould and pet dander can also irritate the airways and contribute to symptoms such as sneezing, a runny nose and nasal congestion.
When we inhale airborne particles, the body's natural defence mechanisms help trap and clear them. Mucus captures particles, while the mucociliary transport system helps move mucus and trapped particles through the nasal passages so they can be cleared.
Goodair Nosebuds use gentle vibration to augment this natural mucociliary transport process, helping support the movement and clearance of mucus and trapped particles.
Nosebuds are drug-free, reusable and rechargeable, making them a simple addition to your routine when you're experiencing nasal congestion associated with airborne irritants.
So whether pollen season leaves you with a stuffy nose, or dust and pet dander contribute to irritation indoors, Goodair Nosebuds offer a drug-free option to help ease nasal congestion.
