Quiz: Is It a Cold or an Allergy?

From: Allergy and Asthma Relief

So you think you have an allergy. But can you be sure? Although an estimated 9.6 million people in Australia and New Zealand suffer from allergies, other conditions – such as colds – are very good at mimicking them. Before you make an appointment with your doctor, take a few minutes to answer the following questions

1 Do your symptoms, including sneezing, congestion, runny nose, watery eyes, fatigue and headaches, occur simultaneously?

2 Is the duration of your symptoms variable – for instance, sometimes a month or more and sometimes just a couple of days or even hours?

3 Is the mucus discharge from your nose clear?

4 Do you sneeze frequently, particularly two or three times in a row?

5 Do your symptoms occur more often between spring and autumn?

6 Are your nasal symptoms unaccompanied by aches and chills?

Scoring
3 to 5 yes answers: It’s quite likely that your symptoms are related to allergies. See your health care provider for further testing.

3 to 5 no answers: You probably have a cold or other respiratory ailment. Wait a few days, and if it doesn’t clear up on its own, see your health care provider.