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Did you know that your nose is the first defense against illness and infection? If you’re struggling to get a good night’s rest, it can be because of congestion in your nasal passages, which makes breathing more difficult. Nasal congestion also makes it harder for you to smell things around you, so the common smells we take for granted may feel more like a struggle.
They’re not just for people with allergies or asthma; anyone who experiences frequent nasal irritation and congestion can benefit from using an inhaler daily. Take a look at how self-care with nasal inhalers can offer you more restful nights and happier days.
What Are Nasal Inhalers?
Nasal inhalers are devices that deliver a small amount of medication to your nose and throat. They help to relieve congestion by adding a small amount of moisture into the air that you breathe
The medication acts as an anti-inflammatory, relieving congestion and making you feel more comfortable. Inhalers can be particularly helpful for people with frequent colds, sore throats, sinusitis, or allergies, who often experience nasal congestion and would benefit from more restful nights.
How Do Nasal Inhalers Work?
The medication that is commonly inhaled, which is a drug called Salbutamol, works alongside your body’s natural immune system to prevent symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath caused by an infection or allergy. Inhalers also relieve nasal congestion by reducing swelling and mucus in the lungs or throat.
Types of Nasal Inhalers
There are three types of nasal inhalers. You can choose based on the type of congestion you’re experiencing.
1. Decongestant Sprays
Decongestant sprays come in several different forms and are effective at relieving nasal congestion. Some people find that decongestant sprays work best for them, while others may prefer to use other forms of self-care, such as natural remedies or the regular use of an inhaler.
If you’re struggling to get a good night’s sleep, try using an aromatherapy spray every evening before bedtime.
2. Nasal Steroid Sprays
Nasal steroid sprays are what you’ll want to start using if you’re looking for an effective, all-natural way to relieve nasal congestion. They can be found at local drug stores and online.
Nasal steroid sprays are made from various ingredients which include calcium, potassium, zinc, and magnesium. They work by expanding your nasal passages, relieving the pressure, and helping your breathing improve.
Nasal steroids can help with both acute and chronic sinusitis and allergies. While they come with some side effects (such as mild headache), they’re usually mild enough that you shouldn’t have any problems switching from over-the-counter decongestants to these natural remedies.
3. Saline Sprays
Did you know that nasal sprays are not just for sneezing and clearing the sinuses? The saline in nasal sprays can help to soothe your respiratory tract, improve the process of breathing out your nose, and clear up congestion.
Saline sprays can ease the symptoms of a cold or flu and are an effective treatment for allergic rhinitis, or what is most commonly known as Hay Fever. They can also be used during allergy season to help treat the symptoms of seasonal allergies.
Although many types of nasal sprays are available, most contain hyaluronate acid, sodium chloride, and alcohol. Hyaluronate acid is a natural moisturizer found in our skin that helps maintain skin elasticity. Sodium chloride is a common salt in our daily lives and provides moisture for your nose. Alcohol is added to provide anti-bacterial properties for those who use them regularly, but it’s important not to overuse alcohol-based products because it can.
Benefits of Nasal Inhalers
Here are just a few of the benefits you can enjoy when taking nasal inhalers:
1. Allergy Relief
Many people experience nasal congestion during allergy season, so an inhaler can be a great way to help reduce symptoms. Using nasal inhalers regularly can prevent the onset of a full-blown allergy and reduce your symptoms.
2. Enhances Smell
When you inhale through your nose, it helps you smell better. Your sense of smell is located in the nasal passages, and when you have congestion, the mucous membranes that line your nasal passage become swollen and irritated. The irritation can lead to a less-than-optimal sense of smell. Using an inhaler can help clear out the mucous membranes inside your nose and allow them to heal, improving your sense of smell.
3. Improves Sleep
A Journal of a Clinical Sleep Medicine study revealed that nasal inhalers improve sleep quality. The findings of this study showed that 60% of participants experienced an improvement in their sleep quality when using a sleep inhaler. The main goal of an aromatherapy sleep inhaler is to deliver a calm and relaxing smell in order to help you get a restful sleep. Because of their holistic intention, aromatherapy nasal inhalers can be great for anyone and works fast.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are a lot of benefits to using an inhaler, and it’s very easy to see how it can be beneficial for your sleep problems. It would help if you only used an inhaler as directed by your doctor or pharmacist. Suppose you are still determining what type of inhaler to get.