Controlling Your Nasal Allergy Symptoms At Work (NAPSA)—In anoffice congested with qualified employees, it can be difficult to make a namefor your- self. But for nasal allergy sufferers struggling with a stuffy nose and sneezing, work can be even more challenging. Reports indicate that allergies can decrease productivity in the workplace’ and accountfor nearly 4 million missed work days each year.’ According to one survey, 59 percent of adult nasal allergy sufferers with congestion said nasal congestion affects them at work by, among other things, decreas- ing productivity and makingit difficult to concentrate.** “Allergy symptoms can make you self-conscious and feel irritable—thelast thing anyone needsat work,” said Robin Ryan, career counselor and allergy sufferer. “These effects can often be avoided or minimizedif you take action to control your symptoms on the job.” Identifying Nasal Allergy Triggers While allergy sufferers may view their office as a safe haven from allergens, a numberofallergens commonly found at work can actually trigger bothersome symp- toms year-round. Mold can be a problem in offices with poor ventilation systems and leaks. And even if pets are not allowed in your building, dander can attach to the clothing of pet-owning colleagues, and pollen from grasses and trees can stick to hair and clothing to affect sufferers throughout the day. Working On A Treatment Plan To help minimize exposure to allergens, keep the windows closed to prevent pollen from coming inside. If you suspect that mold is a problem, talk with a building supervisor to be sure the building gets proper ventilation. But it’s impossible to avoid all allergens in the workplace, so Ryan recommendsvisiting a doctor, who can prescribe an appropriate treatment, if you continue to experience symptoms. Nasal-inhaled steroids, like NASONEX (mometasone furoate monohydrate) Nasal Spray, 50 meg (calculated on the anhydrous basis), are a recommendedfirst-line treatment when nasal congestion is the primary allergy symptom.* “Nasal congestion is often the most bothersome symptom for nasal allergy sufferers, and nasalinhaled steroids like Nasonex are an effective way to treat it,” said Dr. Matthew Clarke, a board-cer- tified family and occupational medicine physician in private practice in New YorkCity. To help determine whether your nasal congestion is a result of nasal allergies, visit CongestionTest.com to take the Congestion Test. This easy, five-question screening tool also can help physi- cians determine an appropriate treatment. “Allergy symptom control should be high on every employee’s to-do list,” said Ryan. “It’s important for your health—and it’s an investment in your career.” NASONEX*is a nasal-inhaled steroid related to cortisol, a hormone produced naturally by the body, and when used as directed, is safe, nonsedating and not addictive. NASONEX reduces nasal congestion caused by anallergic reaction. NASONEXprovides relief from symptoms of seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis, including nasal congestion, sneezing and an itchy, runny nose. Side effects were generally mild and included headache, viral infection, sore throat, nosebleeds, and coughing. Visit http://www.nasonex.com for more information on preventing and treating seasonal nasal allergies. For additional important safety information, full prescribing information is available at: http://www.spfiles.com/pinasonex.pdf. * An Internet survey of 2,002 adult allergic rhinitis sufferers with nasal congestion or parents of a child with allergic rhinitis with nasal congestion. 1. “The Impact of Allergies and Allergy Treatment on Worker Productivity.” American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine. . 2. “Allergy Facts and Figures.” Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America. 12 June 2006 . 3. Roper Public Affairs and Media. Impact of nasal congestion amongallergic rhinitis sufferers. An Internet survey of 2,355 people with allergic rhinitis, 2,002 of whom were adult allergic rhinitis sufferers with nasal congestion or parents of a child with allergic rhinitis with nasal congestion. 2004. Margin of error +/- 2 percentage points. 4. The American Academyof Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, Inc., The Allergy Report, 2000, Vol. 2:p.16.
