RESEARCH commissioned by pharmacy brand Fess reveals Aussies experience 'sneez-iety' in public and behind closed doors.
More than half of the 1,000 Aussies surveyed said that peeing in their pants while sneezing would be the most embarrassing scenario, while one-third admitted to this happening to them in real life.
Nasal etiquette seems lacking as one in four Australians confess to using their sleeve to wipe their runny nose if they are without a tissue, while 18% admit to using their hand.
It gets even worse with 11% of Aussies admitting to freely blowing out "snot rockets" to alleviate their nasal congestion.
The phenomenon of 'sneez-iety' can also lead to challenges in the bedroom, with Aussie men feeling embarrassed to sneeze during sex three times higher than women.
Medical practitioner with a special interest in preventive healthcare and wellness Dr Brad McKay said, "these findings shed light on the millions of Aussies struggling to manage their nasal health".
"However, regularly using something as simple as a saline nasal spray can effectively prevent allergens from building up in your nose and can help to reduce hay fever symptoms."
Australians have a variety of ways to deal with their blocked nose caused by excess mucus with 39% using a nasal saline spray, 39% taking hot showers and 37% drinking lots of fluids to ease their troubling symptoms.
With extreme weather conditions expected in the months ahead, Adele Taylor, National Asthma Council's Sensitive Choice Program Manager explained 'Nosevember' is a good reminder for people with asthma and allergies to be proactive about their respiratory health.
"Reducing your exposure to allergens can reduce the risk of allergic reactions or allergy-related asthma flare-ups," said Taylor.
Interestingly, 41% of Aussies would consider stocking up on a nasal saline spray throughout the bushfire season to help clear out pollutants from the nasal passages.
"If anyone is concerned about their respiratory health, now is the time to speak to your healthcare professional such as a pharmacist and consider adopting a range of healthy living habits that support clear breathing," said Taylor. JG
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 22 Nov 23
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