Your Stuffy Nose Could Mean More Than a Cold

MILWAUKEE, Dec. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- 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.
SOURCE American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology

Natalie Lemke, nlemke@aaaai.org, or Amber Johnson, ajohnson@aaaai.org, both of
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, +1-414-272-6071