A small handheld device, ClearUP uses gentle microcurrent waveforms to provide sinus pain and congestion relief. Credit: Tivic Health.
The FDA has expanded the indication for use of Tivic Health Systems’ handheld device, ClearUP Sinus Pain Relief, to include congestion from allergies, flu and the common cold.
ClearUP is a non-invasive, drug-free treatment that offers congestion relief without the need for medication.
WHAT DOES IT TREAT?
The latest indication is in addition to FDA clearance for treating allergy-related sinus pain caused by seasonal and year-round allergies to treat moderate to severe congestion.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Using gentle microcurrent waveforms, ClearUP offer sinus pain and congestion relief to users.
It is used outside the nasal passages, along the cheek, nose and brow bone, and provides low current electrical waveforms which stimulate the nerves under the skin to aid in relieving sinus pain and congestion.
WHAT WERE THE STUDY RESULTS?
Study participants with moderate to severe congestion reported an average 35% reduction in congestion symptoms ten minutes after using ClearUP.
Participants also reported an average 44% reduction in congestion symptoms after four weeks of regular use.
It does so by stimulating the trigeminal nerve, responsible for sensing pain and pressure of the face.
Nearly 20% of Americans will suffer from Spring allergies.
Dr. David Lang, an allergist at Cleveland Clinic brings us a “cool” tip. He says one of the easiest things you can do this time of year to ease allergies is turn up the AC.
“Air conditioning is a major measure that can be effective. With the air conditioner on and windows closed, you cut down your indoor pollen count by 90 percent or more. So air conditioning in buildings and cars is key for reducing level of symptoms, medication reliance.”
Dr. Lang recommends seeing an allergist if symptoms don’t respond to natural or over the counter remedies, and interfere with daily functioning. Right now, tree and grass pollen are at their peak. Children and pets can be affected too.
People who suffer from grass allergies may suffer from watering eyes, sneezing and congestion, post-nasal drip, sore throats and dry, constant coughing. A grass allergy can cause a full range of breathing problems, from wheezing to triggering a full-blown asthma attack. Allergic conjunctivitis can also occur, which is an inflammation of the membrane that lines the inside of the eyelids. This causes red-rimmed, swollen eyes and sometimes even a crusting of the eyelids. Allergic shiners–which are dark circles under the eyes that are caused by increased blood flow in irritated sinuses–may also occur with a grass allergy.
Irritated skin, including redness, itching, rashes, bumps and hives can all occur due to a grass allergy. These reactions can occur anywhere on the body, but often show up on the hands and fingers. Some doctors call this reaction “hayfever of the skin.” Treatment with antihistamines is usually the best way to handle this symptom. Reactions can be severe (even anaphylactic) if the allergen comes into direct contact with open skin, such as when a soccer player falls and scrapes her leg on the grassy field.
General Unwellness
As with other seasonal allergies, many people who suffer from grass allergies also complain of extreme fatigue, and feeling mentally dull or “out of it.” These people complain of feeling spacey, unable to concentrate and foggy much of the time. Headaches, mood swings and even nausea can result from a grass allergy.
Natural Relief and Prevention
There are many ways to prevent reactions and naturally provide relief once symptoms occur. Daily nasal cleansing with either a neti pot or nasal squirt bottle can be an effective way to irrigate the sinuses and flush allergens from the nasal passages. Another preventative measure is to always wear a mask when you mow the grass, and keep grass cut short. Use air conditioners indoors and in cars whenever possible. Instead of drying clothes on the line, where they can pick up allergens, dry clothes in a dryer during grass pollen season. Shower each night before bed to wash off pollen. For a sore throat due to post nasal drip or coughing, try gargling with warm salt water.
Medication
There are many different kinds of over-the-counter and prescription medications available for sufferers of grass allergies. Eye drops, nasal sprays, decongestants and antihistamines are the most popular. There are also various prescription medications available that work with the body in different ways to hinder the release of histamines. According to Medicine Online, immunotherapy allergy shots help many patients.
4. HAVE SOMEONE ELSE CHANGE LITTER BOXES, CLEAN CAGES & BRUSH PETS. Have them all done outside your home. I don’t know who. But, I wish I had known that stay allergen-free rule when I was doing that all myself.
"I don't always poop. But when I do, I make sure it's right after you clean the litter box."
5. BATHE YOUR PET WEEKLY which will reduce levels of allergens. I guess the same person who brushed your pet can rub-a-dub bathe them too.
6. WASH BEDDING AT TEMPS HIGHER THAN 130 degrees F TO KILL ALLERGENS. Again, that same person can’t forget laundry! 🙂
I asked Pet Expert, Wendy Diamond for her specialized tips. She added the following. She reinforces the bathing & No Pet Zone in bedrooms:
7. Mutt Makeover Time! Tame allergens by bathing pets, removing the allergens that accumulate in fur. Be careful not to bathe too often as frequent bathing can dry out your pet’s coat and ask your vet or groomer for the safest product(s) for your specific pet.
8. Who Knew? Dogs often get “atopy”, where they inhale allergens that cause excessively itchy skin, known as pruritis. Medications and immunotherapy (de-sensitizing shots) can let you and your pet live with less scratching, dander, and obviously allergy reactions!
9. Don’t Smell The … Although your garden may be gorgeous to look at and fun for your dog or cat to sniff, certain flowers and plants such as oleander, azales, and lilies of the valley, if ingested by pets can be toxic. Research before planting.
10. No Pet Zone. If you do have pet allergies, keep pets out of at least one room, preferably the bedroom (easier said than done, training and treats will help here). Use hypoallergenic fabrics (materials), allergen removing central air in your “no pet zone”.
For the Best that Pet Lifestyle and animal welfare has to offer follow Wendy and Lucky Diamond on Facebook, Twitter, and at AnimalFair.com!
The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology says avoiding allergy triggers is the best way to reduce symptoms. Here’s how:
Limit outdoor activities during days with high pollen counts.
Keep windows closed (at home or in the car) to keep pollens out. In Summer, keep windows closed and AC on.
Take a shower after coming indoors. Otherwise, pollen in your hair may bother you all night.
4. Wear sunglasses to keep pollen from getting in your eyes.
5. Keep pets away from plants and trees (good luck with THAT).
…and there’s always over-the-counter help.
The FDA approves Pataday (twice daily and once daily) eye drops as being purchased over the counter, without a doctor’s approval. It was previously only available with a prescription.
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