Perennial Allergy vs. the Common Cold
Allergies affect between 40 and 50 million people in the United States. While seasonal allergies may come and go, perennial, or year-round, allergy sufferers deal with stuffy or runny noses, itchy eyes, sneezing, and wheezing 365 days a year.
"Perennial allergies are triggered by indoor allergens, such as house dust mite droppings, animal dander, cockroach droppings and indoor molds. Allergy sufferers often may not know they have perennial allergies because they may attribute their congestion and runny nose to a cold," said Robert Bush, M.D., FAAAAI and a member of the AAAAI's Indoor Allergen Committee. While colds and allergies share the common symptoms of a runny, stuffy nose, sneezing and scratchy throat, there are still some major differences between the two:
Colds:
• Result from a virus infection
• Symptoms may also include a fever and aches and pains along with allergy symptoms
• Usually takes a few days to hit full force
• Symptoms should clear up within several days to a week
Allergies:
• Symptoms begin almost immediately after exposure to an allergen
• Symptoms last as long as they are exposed to the allergen and beyond
• If the allergen is present year-round, symptoms may be chronic
Find out how you can reduce allergens at home to help reduce your symptoms.
Source: American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI) news release
