Common triggering items include air fresheners, flowering houseplants, old books, and pets, while 84 percent admit they don’t know where their sneezing fits come from.
New research from natural nasal spray brand Stérimar reveals there are common items lurking in your home that can lead to a sneezing fit, along with other allergy symptoms such as difficulties breathing.
The study of 2,000 UK adults found that items such as fresh flowers, perfumes and cleaning products are amongst the worst culprits for triggering a sneezing fit.
Others include pets, scented candles, and dusty furniture, but interestingly 84 percent think their sneezing fits come from nowhere.
The home (42 percent), garden (28 percent) and in bed (23 percent) are the most common places for sneezing fits to take place.
Dr Sara Kayat said: “Home is supposed to be a comforting space, but for people with allergies the home can also be a cause of allergic rhinitis, the medical term for inflammation of the nasal passage triggered by something you’re allergic to.
“Symptoms like sneezing, nasal itchiness, and congestion can disrupt daily life, impacting the ability to breathe clearly.
“Common allergens lurking within homes include pollen, dust mites, pet hair, and fragrances.
Interestingly, the research has shown that even flowering houseplants and heavily scented products like perfumes and air fresheners can provoke reactions for allergy sufferers.”
Over a third (35%) of allergy sufferers say they find breathing difficult due to their symptoms.
Those who suffer with allergies are even forced to avoid fragrance departments (18 percent) and pet stores (15 percent) to prevent bursts of sneezing in public.
The research also revealed the impact of high pollen levels on hay fever sufferers, with over half (52 percent) saying they have avoided going outside because pollen levels are high, for an average of over two days.
Common and sometimes unconventional methods to try and curb these symptoms include keeping the windows and doors closed (34 percent), rubbing petroleum jelly on their nose (21 percent) and eating honey (10 percent).
Sara added: “There are things you can do to help prevent allergic rhinitis in the home, such as dusting with a damp cloth, washing pets and their bedding regularly, using hypoallergenic bedding and keeping your home dry and well-ventilated.
“If you already have symptoms and are looking for an alternative to medicines, using a natural nasal spray such as Stérimar can be effective.”
TOP 5 PLACES BRITS HAVE SNEEZING FITS:
- Inside my home
- In my garden
- In bed
- At the office/workplace
- In my car
TOP 5 CAUSES OF SNEEZING FITS:
- Fresh flowers
- Perfumes
- Air fresheners
- Cleaning products
- Spices and seasonings
For more information, visit https://www.sterimarnasal.co.uk/our-products/hayfever-allergies/. For further information or samples, please email [email protected]