Stuffy Nose: Is It Allergies?

While many people associate symptoms such as sneezing, runny noses, or congestion with allergies, swollen puffy eyes can also be a sign of an allergy. Eye allergy symptoms can occur with the aforementioned symptoms or they can occur completely on their own.

If you have never been to an allergy doctor before, you probably do not know what to expect during your first visit. You might think going to the allergist is all about being pricked by needle after needle to see what you are allergic to. Just the thought of that may make you dread going to that first appointment. However, seeing an allergist is not just all about needles.

Not all allergy problems require you to see an allergist. If you are able to control your occasional allergy symptoms with over-the-counter antihistamines or nasal steroids, you usually don’t need to see a doctor that specializes in allergies. However, if your allergies are interfering with your normal day-to-day activities, it may be time to see an allergist.

Making Sense of Allergy Treatment Options

It sometimes can be difficult to determine whether you have a cold or an allergy because many of the symptoms are so similar. However, with a cold your symptoms and discomfort will usually go away within seven to ten days. But when symptoms continue to linger, it could be a pretty sure bet that you have some type of allergy. And when that happens, it might be time to see an allergist.

Along with the cooler weather comes the flu season. If you suffer from allergies and/or asthma, you could be at a higher risk for catching influenza. Having the flu is bad enough, but it can cause your asthma to flare.

Fall Allergies to Watch For

Is It Allergies or Do I Have a Cold?

Symptoms from colds or allergies are often so much alike that it might be difficult for you to determine which one you are suffering from. While a cold is caused by a virus, a seasonal allergy is an immune system response triggered from exposure to allergens. Both might cause runny or stuffy noses, and sneezing, but there are some differences in how each present themselves. Understanding the differences between the two, can help you seek relief from your allergy symptoms instead of brushing them off as just another cold.