Return to Index
Step 1: What is an Allergy?
Step 2: The Role of the Immune System
Step 3: What Substances Cause Allergies?
Step 4: Allergy-Related Conditions
Step 5: Should You See an Allergist?
Step 6: Allergy Testing and Diagnosis
Step 7: Introduction to Allergy Treatment
Step 8: Avoid Allergy Triggers
Step 9: Types of Allergy Medication
Step 10: Over-the-Counter vs Prescription Drugs
Step 11: Immunotherapy
Step 12: You and Your Doctor Are a Team
Key Points
Glossary
*Close Menu*
Return to Index
Step 1: What is an Allergy?
Step 2: The Role of the Immune System
Step 3: What Substances Cause Allergies?
Step 4: Allergy-Related Conditions
Step 5: Should You See an Allergist?
Step 6: Allergy Testing and Diagnosis
Step 7: Introduction to Allergy Treatment
Step 8: Avoid Allergy Triggers
Step 9: Types of Allergy Medication
Step 10: Over-the-Counter vs Prescription Drugs
Step 11: Immunotherapy
Step 12: You and Your Doctor Are a Team
Key Points
Glossary
*Close Menu*
| Matching your symptoms to a condition |
|
When you have a common symptom like a stuffy nose or congestion, you don't always know what condition you have. Are those symptoms part of a cold, flu, allergic rhinitis or sinusitis? It is not always easy to know. Refer to the chart below to match your symptoms with the following conditions.
| Symptom | Cold | Flu | Allergic Rhinitis | Sinusitis |
| Congestion | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Cough | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Dizziness | Yes | Yes | Occassional | |
| Sore throat | Early | Mild | Yes | Yes |
| Runny nose | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Stuffy nose | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Sneezing | Yes | Yes | ||
| Nasal discharge | May be thick and yellow | Cloudy | Thin and clear | Thick, yellow-green |
| Duration | 5-7 days | 2-3 weeks | Episodic | Perpetual if not treated |
| Generalized aches and pains | Yes, often severe | Mild | ||
| Sweating | Yes | |||
| Extreme exhaustion | Early and prominent | |||
| Fatigue/weakness | Mild | Pronounced | Mild | Mild |
| Fever | High (102-104), lasts 3-4 days | Low grade | ||
| Headache | Rare | Yes | Yes | |
| Itchy nose/eyes/throat | Yes | |||
| Seasonal pattern | Yes | Yes (Winter) | Yes | Yes |
| Hoarseness | Yes | Yes | ||
| Facial pain | Yes | |||
| Bad breath | Yes |
|
|
Review Date:
4/4/2007
Reviewed By: Alan Greene, M.D., F.A.A.P., Department of Pediatrics, Packard Children's Hospital, Stanford University School of Medicine; Chief Medical Officer, A.D.A.M., Inc.
Reviewed By: Alan Greene, M.D., F.A.A.P., Department of Pediatrics, Packard Children's Hospital, Stanford University School of Medicine; Chief Medical Officer, A.D.A.M., Inc.
|
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial process . A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics (www.hiethics.com) and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch). |
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997-2007 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
