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Catching a cold is a nuisance in itself, but its effects may be more far-reaching than many people realise. A recent study(1) has scientifically proven what we already knew: that being bunged up affects our sense of smell. Smell plays a vital role in choosing a mate, interacting with others, and making us feel more confident. When a cold rears its ugly head, sufferers are deprived of a crucial sense, which in turn can wreak havoc with their well-being

Sniff 'n' choose

All the senses play a part in physical attraction. A potential partner may look stunning, have a sexy voice and feel silky smooth, but how they smell is a key deciding factor in choosing a mate.

Every person has a unique scent. Without exactly understanding how, scientists have found that this scent is linked to the immune system(2). When looking for a partner, most people subconsciously select someone with a widely different system. Their children would have a broader immune system and therefore a better chance of fighting off infection. So, without realising it, we're sniffing out the best partner for the healthiest offspring. Of course, it helps if they bathe regularly!

Feeling broody

It all comes down to nature. Women's sense of smell is heightened during ovulation. At this most fertile period of their cycle, they may become choosier than ever when it comes to finding the right mate and frustratingly for men, women's secretions smell most pleasant during this time(3). Therefore, it seems that ovulating women are most attractive at a time when they are hardest to please.


*contains Phenylepherine hydrochloride
Always read the label. Ask the pharmacist for advice.
References
1 Jacobs, T. The effect of nasal congestion on smell sensitivity. Report commissioned by Pfizer Consumer Healthcare
2 Wedekind et al., 1995
3 Doty et al., 1975

Kiss 'n tell

Pheromones are greatly responsible for physical attraction between people. They are chemical signals secreted through glands around the body. These chemicals send a message to another person, who subconsciously detects them through a receptor in the nose. It is partly how we decide to encourage or brush off our suitors, no matter how inventive or bad their chat-up lines. Interestingly, the scalp is a particularly rich source of that unique smell. It may be why kissing is so enjoyable, as it brings two people closer to each other's scalps. Could it also be why bald men are rumoured to be more virile?

Mood triggers

Smell can also affect moods. There are good scents and bad scents, which attract or repel us. This is nature's way of keeping us away from harmful, and drawing us to beneficial, substances. Our own scent is linked to our mood as well. People feel positive when they smell good. Use of perfumes, deodorants and aftershaves help enhance self-image and are applied to attract others, too.

Personal scent is a strong element of mother-baby bonds and, in a relationship partners know each other by their smell. In loving relationships, it can have a comforting effect.

Blocked up and miserable

All in all, smell is an important aspect of human beings' mating rituals. It helps us choose our partner, attracts or repels us and generally influences our mood. So when a person catches a cold - which the average adult can expect between two and five times a year - it can affect more than their ability to breathe easily.

A blocked nose hampers the sense of smell. Single people in quest of a mate cannot 'sniff out' potential partners. They cannot smell themselves either, which may lower their confidence. This inability to smell - themselves or others - can lower their libido.


*contains Phenylepherine hydrochloride
Always read the label. Ask the pharmacist for advice.
References
1 Jacobs, T. The effect of nasal congestion on smell sensitivity. Report commissioned by Pfizer Consumer Healthcare
2 Wedekind et al., 1995
3 Doty et al., 1975

Single or not, a blocked nose can impede the detection of pheromones, a major factor in becoming aroused. Kissing, too, becomes a problem, as it makes it even harder to breathe. Plus, there's no chance of picking up those lovely scalp odours. Then, at the end of the day, a blocked nose can make things worse still, by causing the person to snore.

Keeping a clear head

All the more reason for keeping the nose clear. This is quite simple. Blocked noses are caused by the swelling of the small vessels in the nasal cavity, which release fluid. This is compounded by the resulting difficulty in draining the mucus, which all healthy bodies produce. Treatments like new Non-Drowsy Sudafed Congestion Relief capsules* work by allowing those blood vessels to return to normal, enabling mucus to drain way more freely. For a clear head, trust Sudafed.

Our sense of smell is just too important to ignore. All the ways in which scents influence us demonstrate that the nose truly is a wonderful organ.

See www.coughandcoldadvice.com for more information on how to avoid nasal congestion.


*contains Phenylepherine hydrochloride
Always read the label. Ask the pharmacist for advice.
References
1 Jacobs, T. The effect of nasal congestion on smell sensitivity. Report commissioned by Pfizer Consumer Healthcare
2 Wedekind et al., 1995
3 Doty et al., 1975