|  | Conditions Treatments | Allergies

Why Are Allergies Worse After a Cold?

Allergies cause an array of symptoms which can be treated with medication. If you develop a cold while suffering from allergies, you may find your allergy symptoms seem worse even after your cold has run its course. Cold symptoms do not last as long as allergy symptoms, but they can have a lasting impact if you are sensitive to particular allergens. Once diagnosed properly, allergy symptoms become more manageable, even if you catch the common cold.

  1. Causes

    • Allergies are your body's response to a lack of immunity to allergens. Allergens that trigger your symptoms may include pollen, indoor and outdoor molds, dust mites, pet dander, tobacco smoke, air pollution and chemicals. Allergy problems may become worse if you develop a cold. Colds are caused by rhinoviruses which affect your nasal passageways and your throat.

    Symptoms

    • According to the American Academy of Allergies, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI), allergy symptoms occur immediately upon exposure, while cold symptoms take days to develop. A cold virus lasts for about a week and the accompanying symptoms disappear with it. If symptoms of a cold persist longer than a week, these symptoms are likely attributed to allergies, and are not remnants of a cold. Common allergy symptoms like headaches, nasal problems and congestion are aggravated by colds.

    Misconceptions

    • Sinusitis, a condition caused by allergies, is often mistaken for a cold. Sinusitis also can develop in allergy patients after a cold. Sinusitis is characterized by the inflammation of your nasal cavities. Sinusitis causes symptoms like excessive coughing, sinus headaches, congestion, postnasal drip, and gray or green nasal discharge. The AAAAI reports that an estimated 31 million people in the United States get sinusitis every year.

    Diagnosis

    • Recurring cold symptoms should be evaluated by your physician. Severe allergies like sinusitis are aggravated by cold viruses, as symptoms such as congestion and runny nose likely increase. Your doctor will refer you to an allergist if medications do not improve your symptoms even after your cold ends. An allergist conducts physical tests as well as skin-prick tests in order to determine which types of allergens trigger your symptoms. The severity and occurrence of your allergies influences the type of treatment you receive.

    Prevention/Solution

    • Antibiotics are prescribed for sinus infections. However, sinusitis often requires long-term treatment, especially if you are exposed to allergens on a regular basis. Decongestants help relieve congestion and other symptoms caused by allergies. Antihistamines are prescribed to help prevent your body from releasing histamine, a type of chemical reaction to an allergen. Blocking histamine prevents the occurrence of symptoms. If you constantly get sick from your allergies, your allergist might suggest allergy shots to boost your immunity against certain allergens.

Allergies - Related Articles