Your Stuffy Nose Could Mean More Than A Cold

Main Category: Allergy
Also Included In: Flu / Cold / SARS;  Immune System / Vaccines
Article Date: 03 Dec 2007 - 16:00 PDT

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Runny nose, headache and watery eyes are often attributed to the common cold, but they can actually be signs of allergies, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI).

"Millions of Americans think they are suffering from a cold during the winter months when they're actually experiencing allergies," said Anju Peters, MD, Chair of the AAAAI's Rhinosinusitis Committee. "Cold and allergy symptoms can be very similar, making it hard to decipher a difference between the two. The main difference is the length of time symptoms last. A cold normally disappears after a week or so, but allergies can last much longer. In order to receive proper diagnosis and treatment, it is important to differentiate between a cold and allergies," Peters added.

Allergies are caused by exposure to airborne allergens, such as dust mites, furry pets, mold, fungi and pollen. Symptoms of allergies are the result of events occurring in your immune system, the body's defense mechanism against harmful substances. The body of an individual with allergic disease identifies certain allergens as harmful. These allergens, which are harmless to most people, trigger allergic reactions within that person's immune system.

Allergies are not contagious, but the symptoms only vary slightly from the common cold, which is contagious. Symptoms of allergies include:

- Runny or stuffed nose
- Sneezing
- Wheezing
- Coughing
- Watery or itchy eyes
- Post nasal drip
- Dull headache

The common cold (lasting only a week or two) can include the allergy symptoms listed above, but also often involve:

- Fever
- Body aches
- Sore throat

Treatment options for allergies

Although there is no cure for allergies, several treatment options are available, including over-the-counter and prescription medications. Immunotherapy, commonly known as allergy shots, is another alternative. If you have been diagnosed with allergies, you should see an allergist/immunologist for care. Allergist/immunologists are physicians specially trained to manage and treat allergies and asthma. Unlike a cold, allergic disease is not a condition that someone can just "get over." However, the help of a trained allergist/immunologist can reduce how often patients need to stay home from work or school due to symptoms.

When to see an allergist/immunologist

According to the AAAAI's referral guidelines, patients should see an allergist/immunologist if they: - Need to confirm the diagnosis of allergies or asthma
- Need education and guidance in techniques for self-management of allergies or asthma
- Are considering immunotherapy (allergy shots)
- Have nasal polyps
- Have co-existing conditions such as asthma or recurrent sinusitis
- Have found medications to be ineffective
- Have symptoms interfering with quality of life and/or ability to function

The AAAAI represents allergists, asthma specialists, clinical immunologists, allied health professionals and others with a special interest in the research and treatment of allergic disease. Allergy/immunology specialists are pediatric or internal medicine physicians who have elected an additional two years of training to become specialized in the treatment of asthma, allergy and immunologic disease. Established in 1943, the AAAAI has more than 6,500 members in the United States, Canada and 60 other countries. The AAAAI serves as an advocate to the public by providing educational information through its Web site at http://www.aaaai.org.