Spring is in the air quite literally.
That means pollen winds up in our sinuses.
Allergy experts say this could be a particularly rough year.
So how do you know if its allergies or just a spring cold?
A good rule of thumb is that colds produce a runny nose that is yellowish, along with a low-grade fever.
Allergies are usually colorless and there is no accompanying fever.
Add to that itchy eyes, nose and throat.
If it is allergies, how do you treat them?
Sorting out the various prescription and over-the-counter antihistamines, decongestants and nose sprays can be overwhelming.
Prescription and over-the-counter medications can help relieve symptoms.
But they are no cure.
Regardless of where you live, some people are simply predisposed to have bad allergies because of heredity, "If you have one parent who suffers from allergies the chance of an offspring suffering from allergies is nearly 33 to 50 percent. If you have two parents that suffer from allergies it can be 50 to 65 percent," allergist, Dr. Allen Patel explains.
Of course, living in a high pollen area can make your allergies worse.
To check your local pollen count you can go to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology website.
As always,don't forget the tissues.
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