Anne M. Staveren, MD, is an allergist at our Los Angeles Medical Center. She spent some time with us this busy season to answer the four most common questions people have about allergies.

How do I know I have allergies and not a cold?

Many of the symptoms are similar, but [...]]]> Anne M. Staveren, MD, is an allergist at our Los Angeles Medical Center. She spent some time with us this busy season to answer the four most common questions people have about allergies.

How do I know I have allergies and not a cold?

Many of the symptoms are similar, but there are important differences. Colds usually get better in three to seven days, and they rarely last longer than two weeks. But allergies may last for a month or more. Seasonal allergies occur like clockwork at certain times of year, while colds are unpredictable.

What's the best way to find out if I have allergies?

If you find your seasonal allergy symptoms are more than just a nuisance, especially if you suffer from asthma or other lung conditions, and you are not sure what is causing your allergies, talk to your primary care physician so he or she is aware of your concerns. Your doctor may refer you to a board-certified allergist who is specially trained to diagnose and treat allergic and immunologic diseases. The allergist may recommend skin or blood tests to identify your allergic triggers, like grass pollen, dust mites, animal dander, or mold.

How can I relieve my allergy symptoms?

First: Avoid the offenders. Once you know what causes your allergies, avoid those things if possible. For example, if you are allergic to dogs, you may want to make your dog an outside pet. Or if you're allergic to pine, you can avoid taking walks outside when the pines shed their spores in the fall.

Second: Start preventive medication a few weeks before your seasonal allergies are due and continue it daily during the season.

If you find that you react to an indoor allergen, such as pet hair, dust mites, or pollen that comes in through open windows, try the following:

• Place HEPA filters in air purifiers and vacuum cleaners. They help reduce the number of small particles that can set off your allergies.
• Use allergy bed covers, dust your window blinds, and reduce clutter to limit pollen, dust mites, and animal dander that get trapped indoors.
• If these two actions don't ease your symptoms, allergy shots may help reduce your sensitivity to allergens.

Can allergies make my asthma worse?

Yes. Some allergens can trigger asthma attacks. Gaining greater control of the postnasal drip and secondary sinus infections that often accompany nasal allergies can help you stop asthma attacks. During your season of allergies, take extra care to monitor your asthma so it doesn't get out of control.

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