There’s been a lot of talk lately about the impact of ‘baby brain’ on us Mums – we become forgetful, a little bit dazed and sometimes confused.

We feel a little foggy and unclear and we don’t particularly fire on all cylinders.

Well I can’t remember back to my last bub and how long I may have been afflicted by ‘baby brain’ but I can remember to the very recent past where … my brain felt foggy, my eyes were misty, my head was heavy and my nose was blocked and twice its size!

Nothing to do with the birth of my children and everything to do with my blocked nose and sinus congestion … apparently brought on by dry weather, pollen, dust, humidity and moisture in the air and did I say DUST! And of course that’s just the congestion brought on by allergies and the environment – add a cold or flu and all of these symptoms multiply.

The good news is that over the years, I’ve managed to put together a list that really helps me clear away congestion and may minimise a relapse:

1. Know your triggers and plan for them … 

Whether it’s a cold, flu or allergies that get your congestion rate racing, get to know the patterns. Do you tend to become congested at certain times of the year, in particular places, when you’re near certain plants or when your home needs a really good clean? Or does winter just arrive and bring with it at least one heavy cold?

Knowing what is likely to trigger your blocked nose and sinus congestion helps you plan ahead and be prepared.

2. Control humidity … 

While many people suffer when the air is dry and dusty, others come to grief when humidity inside and outside their home spikes the amount of mould and mould spores in the air. Consider a dehumidifier for your home, have your home professionally cleaned to remove all moulds from inside and out, trim back any trees and shrubs that may be keeping the sun off the walls of your home making them a breeding ground for mould and ensure all air conditioner filters and exhaust fans are well cleaned and maintained.

If you really have to be right out there think about what you can do to protect yourself; sunglasses will help shield your eyes and if it’s really bad, consider a disposable mask.

3. Protect yourself when you’re out and about … 

If pollen’s high on your congestion causing radar, time your outing. Heading out early before the wind comes up (or while everything is still a little dewy) is great and aim to be back indoors when you know the pollen count rises.

4. Drink a lot (of water) … 

Hydration not only keeps your wrinkles at bay and your body functioning, it’s a brilliant natural internal lubricant – when you’re well hydrated so too are your nasal passages.

Hydration helps your body to function at it’s optimum.

5. Keep the inside clean … 

If dust, dust mites and mould are your number one enemies when it comes to blocked nose and sinus congestion, sort them out once and for all. Kill dust mites by washing bedding, cushions and pillows in a hot wash.

Eliminate major dust by ensuring your vacuum cleaner has a high efficiency air filter and ‘dust’ with a damp cloth rather than a feather duster so that the dust is contained and not redistributed.

Get into the habit of checking the outside conditions before you let allergens in, find yourself a pollen count app and put a ‘shoe cupboard’ or basket at the front door for everyone to use.

6. Keep the outside out … 

As much as the first thing we want to do on a beautiful day is to throw open the doors and windows, sometimes it’s the last thing you should be doing.

If the pollen count is high, the dust is swirling or the kids are coming in with goodness knows what on their shoes, your chances of congestion are on the rise.

7. Hit the water … 

One of the best things you can do for congestion caused by allergies is head for water – especially the beach if you’re close by.

Failing a dip in the sea, take a lovely long shower. Not only will the water wash away the dust, pollen or whatever is bugging you, the steam from the shower will help to open up your nasal passages.

8. Check what you bring inside (plants, shoes, flowers and even baskets) … 

Do you know the pollen count of your indoor plants? These, or those lovely big bunches of flowers, could be sending your nasal passages crazy.

Even think about baskets or bags that you use at markets and for picnics.

9. Don’t smoke and don’t invite smokers …  

This should be a universal approach for everyone but if you suffer from allergies, colds, congestions or worse, flu, get smoking out of your life completely.

Do not smoke yourself and ask any family or friends who do smoke to help you out by not smoking anywhere near you or in your home. Smoke will linger long after they’re gone.

10. Look for natural relief before medication

Clearing those nasal passages of excess mucus and congestion is always going to be more effective than attempting to just treat the discomfort caused by the congestion.

FESS^® Sinu-Cleanse will do just that. Approved by the National Asthma Council Australia’s Sensitive Choice program, FESS^® Sinu-Cleanse Gentle Wash Kit is non-medicated, a natural way to relieve congestion and preservative free.

See what MoM Members who’ve been trialling and reviewing FESS^® Sinu-Cleanse had to say here.

Or you can find out more about FESS^® Sinu-Cleanse here.

This article was commissioned by the team at FESS^® Sinu-Cleanse as part of the FESS^® Sinu-Cleanse product review campaign. The MoM editorial team compiled this article after working with the team at FESS^® Sinu-Cleanse and realising that there’s really so much we can do to manage sinus and nasal congestion before and when it hits.

[PLEASE NOTE: This article is not intended as medical advice. Some congestion and allergies require medical intervention so please do not hesitate to seek this advice if you feel you or your family are at risk.]