Pass the tissue!

As someone who has suffered hay fever (or allergic rhinitis) my entire life, I can tell you it is NO fun!  I can also tell you that sometimes it can be hard to tell if it’s seasonal allergies or an impending illness, as there is quite a bit of overlap.

There are, however, some key differences.  They can help determine if your family’s sniffles are allergies or something else.

Symptoms of allergies

• Stuffy or runny nose with clear drainage
• Sneezing
• Itchy eyes and/or nose
• Sore throat
• Slight coughing

Signs of an allergy

• ‘Allergic salute,’ – because noses are often very itchy (believe me!), children (okay, and adults!)  rub their noses upward and this can create a small horizontal crease at the tip of the nose
• ‘Allergic shiners,’ – those dark circles their eyes caused by congestion in the nasal passages

(In medicine, symptoms are what the patient experiences, while signs are what the physician sees)

What you don’t see in allergies:

• Fevers
• Chills
• Body aches and pains
• Green or other color discharge from nose
• Coughing up phlegm

Of course, as always, if you are uncertain check with your physician!