Sherri's Helpful Hints

Do Your Sneezes Mean Allergies or Cold?

Allergies can easily be mistaken for a cold because the symptoms are so similar. Take the following mini quiz to see if you have allergies or a cold.

1. How would you describe the onset of your symptoms?
a. They came on suddenly.
b. They took a few days to develop fully.

2. Which of the following symptoms bother you the most?
a. Sneezing, drippy nose, watery eyes or itching in the nose, eyes, throat or roof of your mouth.
b. Congestion, sore throat, fever or body aches and pain.

3. When you blow your nose, how does the discharge appear?
a. It's clear and runny.
b. It's yellow or greenish and thick.

4. Is there a pattern to when your symptoms come together?
a. Yes, they tend to strike around the same time each year.
b. No, they're seemingly random.

5. How long have your symptoms lasted?
a. Two weeks or longer.
b. No more than a week.

6. Are you prone to eczema?
a. Yes.
b. No.

7. Is there a history of allergies in your family?
a. Yes.
b. No.

Mostly a's: You might have allergies, so you should consult your doctor.
Mostly b's: You could be suffering from a spring cold.


Getting Tested for Allergies

Blood test: This is called a radioallergosorbent test or RAST. They take a sample of your blood and send it to a lab. The sample will be exposed to allergens and if allergic antibodies in your blood attach to the allergen, it means you allergic to that particular irritant.

Skin-prick test: Your doctor will scratch your skin with small amounts of different possible allergens (mold, pollen and cat dander, for starters). Next, the doctor will look for any red, swollen spots where an allergen was applied, which would indicate an allergic reaction. This is the most commonly used method for allergy testing because the results are immediate and it's less expensive than a RAST.


The Safest Times to Go Outside

Check the time: The concentration of pollen in the air is generally highest in the morning, so if you spend a lot of time outside, do it later in the afternoon - between 3:00 and 6:00 p.m. - during peak allergy season.

Check the weather: People generally have fewer symptoms on cloudy days than they do under hot, dry and windy conditions, when pollen is more likely to be blowing in the air. Under the latter circumstances, it's best to stay indoors as much as possible to prevent symptoms from flaring up. The National Allergy Bureau will send you a daily e-mail that will let you know the concentration of pollen in your area.


Treatments and Remedies to Help Allergy Symptoms

Decongestants: These relieve swollen nasal tissues and loosen congestion. They have them in pill or liquid form. Decongestants that contain Pseudoephedrine are now being kept behind drug store counters because that is the main ingredient in methamphetamines. Just ask for them at the drug store.

Antihistamines: These help prevent sneezing, itching eyes and runny nose by blocking histamines, chemicals released by the immune system during an allergic reaction. They are best taken at the first sign of symptoms. You can buy Benadryl or Claritin over the counter, but if those aren't strong enough, you may need a prescription such as Allegra or Zyrtec (these contain different chemicals than the over the counter remedies and may work better).

Allergy Shots: These are best for symptoms caused by airborn allergens such as pollen and mold. The shots contain small amounts of the allergens that affect the patient, which will help decrease sensitivity to them. They are given at regular intervals over a 3 to 5 year period.

Saline Nasal Sprays: These help flush allergens and mucus from your nasal passages, lessening your symptoms. They can be bought over the counter.

Decongestant Nasal Sprays: These relieve nasal swelling and congestion, but only take a few days at a time. Using them too frequently can cause the body to become used to the drug and symptoms will return.

Steroid Nasal Sprays: These are prescription sprays such as Flonase and Nasonex. They relieve an itchy runny nose and sneezing. They also relieve postnasal drip and nasal congestion better than antihistamines.