Toronto and Calgary are Canada's most congested cities

National survey reveals Canadians with nasal congestion hit hardest in the bedroom and at work

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Jan. 22, 2013 /CNW/ - A new survey reveals nearly two-thirds of Canadians surveyed (59 per cent) are experiencing nasal congestion attributed to a cold or the flu, and nasal congestion is also impacting their quality of sleep and contributing to absenteeism in the workplace. Fifteen per cent of Canadians surveyed report missing work due to the impact of night time nasal congestion on their sleep. The survey, commissioned in December 2012 by Breathe Right Nasal Strips®, provides some additional insight into the physical toll of coping with nasal congestion as reports of rising flu rates make headlines across the country. According to the national survey, the most congested cities in Canada are:

• Toronto - 78 per cent of residents reporting nasal congestion
• Calgary - 78 per cent of residents reporting nasal congestion
• Vancouver - 76 per cent of residents reporting nasal congestion
• Ottawa - 73 per cent of residents reporting nasal congestion
• Montreal - 68 per cent of residents reporting nasal congestion

Nationally, 59 per cent of survey respondents reported night time nasal congestion has a strong or moderate impact on their quality of sleep, 62 per cent report sometimes or always waking up due to nasal congestion.

"From coast to coast, Canadians are struggling to cope with one of the worst cold and flu seasons in recent memory.  The Breathe Right survey provides some insight into where it's hitting Canadians the hardest," said Bryce Wylde, alternative health expert. "No matter where we live, we're not sheltered from catching a cold or the flu. With cases of the flu rising, we need to be more diligent with prevention strategies and, if we do get sick, know how to navigate the pharmacy aisles to find the right tools to get some much-needed relief."

To cope with nasal congestion, 77 per cent of Canadians surveyed are turning to over-the-counter (OTC) medicines such as decongestants (56 per cent), or antihistamines (41 per cent). The next most commonly selected products are other remedies, excluding OTC and prescription medications, and are used by 57 per cent of Canadians surveyed. The most popular choices are saline solutions (32 per cent), humidifiers (26 per cent), and nasal strips (14 per cent). Roughly one-third (31 per cent) of Canadians surveyed use prescription medications to treat congestion.

What's more, 37 per cent of Canadians are using OTC medicines in combination with at least one other OTC medicine, prescription medication, or other non-medicinal remedy during the night time. Wylde cautions anyone using any OTC, prescription or other product, or considering using a combination of treatments, to consult with their pharmacist or other health care professional first.

"With so many potential remedies available, it is important to know what works for your particular symptoms and what is appropriate to use in combination," says Wylde. "Perhaps the most important aspect of recovery is getting lots of rest and especially a good night's sleep. I recommend Breathe Right Nasal Strips because they are drug-free, can be used with any other remedy or treatment, and are designed to improve airflow in the nasal passages."

Breathe Right Nasal Strips are clinically proven to lift nasal passages and open your nose, relieving nasal congestion and improving air flow. The strips consist of flexible, "spring-like" bands placed across the nose. They gently lift the sides of the nose and open the nasal passages, providing immediate and continual relief.

Methodology From December 19 to 21th, 2012, an online survey was conducted among 3,007 randomly selected Canadian adults who are also Angus Reid Forum panel members. The results have been statistically weighted according to age, gender, region and education (and language in Quebec) to ensure a representative sample.The margin of error—which measures sampling variability—is +/- 1.8%, 19 times out of 20.  Discrepancies in or between totals are due to rounding.

GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare is one of the world's largest over-the-counter consumer healthcare products companies. Its well-known brands include the leading oral healthcare products, Sensodyne^®, ProNamel^® and Aquafresh^®, denture care products Polident^® and PoliGrip^®, Spectro^® skincare products as well as many medicine cabinet staples -- Abreva^®, Breathe Right^®, and TUMS^® -- which are trademarks owned by and/or licensed to GlaxoSmithKline Group of Companies.

GlaxoSmithKline - one of the world's leading research-based pharmaceutical and healthcare companies - is committed to improving the quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better and live longer. For further information please visit www.gsk.com.

SOURCE: GlaxoSmithKline Inc.

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