SANTA ROSA, California: While summer is the time of year people like to spend most of their day outside, summer allergens keep many sinus sufferers from enjoying activities such as barbequing, hanging out at the pool and spending time in the park, to name a few.

In fact, a new survey of more than 1,000 consumers shows that one-third of sinus sufferers say they miss or cut short social outings or business engagements because of their symptoms. With ragweed season right around the corner, sinus problems will flare for the millions of Americans suffering with seasonal allergies. But, surprisingly, the majority of allergy sufferers (64%) do not do anything to relieve their symptoms, according to the survey.

The reason may be that more than two out of five sinus sufferers say their sinus or allergy medication does not work, according to a EurekAlert press release.

However, there is the option of saline nasal wash, which is a physician-recommended, natural technique that relieves sinus symptoms by gently rinsing away allergens and excessive mucus that can lead to irritation and infection. One person who knows how much sinus problems can impact their livelihood and quality of life is Mandy-Rae Cruickshank, a seven time world-record holding freediver, who is also a chronic sinus sufferer.

"I have always struggled with sinus issues, which creates a challenge since I dive nearly everyday. It also affected my social life outside of competitive freediving," says Mandy-Rae. "When I discovered Sinus Rinse, a saline nasal wash in a squeeze bottle, I was amazed by how well it works to relieve my symptoms so I can enjoy my career as well as other outdoor activities."

Saline nasal wash is a clinically proven technique to alleviate allergy and sinus symptoms. A recent study shows more than a 50% reduction in symptoms by users of NeilMed's Sinus Rinse. Additionally, daily saline nasal rinsing improves sinus-related quality of life and decreases medication use such as antibiotics in patients with frequent sinusitis, according to another study.

"The nose is one of the body's filters so cleansing the nasal passages of dust and allergens that cause inflammation is crucial for good respiratory health," says Jay Youngerman, MD of North Shore Hospital at Plainview and Long Island ENT Associates. "While most people think of allergies as an inconvenience, symptoms can worsen leading to an infection or sinusitis. Simple preventive methods such as saline nasal wash in a squeeze bottle can be used daily over the long term to reduce or alleviate sinus symptoms."