Is your nasal congestion caused by a cold or allergies? If you’ve got a stuffy, runny nose that seems to last year-round or only shows up in the spring and/or fall, you may have allergies. The highly skilled team of specialists at Allergy, Asthma & Immunology of the Rockies, P.C., in Avon, Basalt, Aspen, Frisco, and Glenwood Springs, Colorado, can help. They’ll identify what’s causing your symptoms, what you may be allergic to, and which treatment strategies will relieve your nasal congestion. Call today for an appointment or book your visit online.
Colds are due to a virus that usually runs its course within 7-14 days. Once the virus is gone, your sneezing, nasal stuffiness, and other cold symptoms resolve.
Nasal allergy symptoms can mimic a cold, but they aren’t due to a virus. Rather, they occur when your immune system overreacts to certain substances (allergens) in your environment. Whenever you’re exposed to an allergen that puts your immune system into overdrive, you can expect to develop symptoms that may include nasal congestion.
The allergy and immunology specialists at Allergy, Asthma & Immunology of the Rockies use a variety of tools to help identify whether your nasal congestion is due to allergies or another medical issue.
You can expect your allergy workup to include a thorough exam and detailed discussion of the nature and timing of your symptoms. You may also require comprehensive allergy testing to identify your allergens.
Airborne allergens are often responsible for nasal congestion related to allergies. However, these substances also find their way into your system via skin contact. If your symptoms are seasonal, you may be reacting to pollen from trees, weeds, and grasses.
If you’re experiencing year-round symptoms, you may be reacting to indoor triggers, including:
Other triggers for nasal congestion can include medications and foods
Your provider will recommend you avoid the substance when possible and give you practical tips for doing so. You can, for instance, use special pillow covers and mattress toppers to avoid dust mite exposure.
Otherwise, they may also recommend nasal sprays to decrease inflammation in your nasal passages, oral medications, or immunotherapy to resolve allergy symptoms at the source by desensitizing your immune system.
You don’t have to live with nasal congestion caused by allergies. Call Allergy, Asthma & Immunology of the Rockies today for an appointment or book your visit online.
