Sick of Being Sick All the Time?

Cough and nasal problems may be a sign of underlying allergies.

(PRWEB) February 22, 2007 -- One of the most frustrating things to deal with is feeling down and out when sick. But imagine feeling sick all or at least most of the time. For those experiencing daily or recurrent episodes of runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing, nasal irritation, eye watering and itching, or cough, the answer may be literally up in the air. The air they breathe that is.

Joseph R. Perez, M.D., a board-certified allergist in Houston, Texas ( http://www.aachou.com ) , says that allergies are often confused with being sick from colds or infection. The term "hay fever" was first used by a physician from England in the early 1800s to describe upper respiratory symptoms similar to what is seen when one gets sick from an infection. Dr. Perez notes that allergies can make a person feel like one does when suffering from a common cold.

Dr. Perez says that allergy sufferers often feel run-down, unable to function well at work or school, sleepy, or unmotivated. "Because allergies make you feel like you are getting sick, most people think they are suffering from a cold or other infection. When people feel this way, they often reach for anything they can find to help. Unfortunately, many of the over-the-counter cold and cough remedies can make you feel even more tired or can have the opposite effect and keep you up all night," notes Dr. Perez.

Sometimes even one's doctor may suspect recurrent infections and may prescribe antibiotics for these "cold-like" symptoms. This is where a fellowship-trained allergist/immunologist can help. The best technique for diagnosing allergies includes skin testing. Skin testing techniques have advanced such that it is virtually pain-free. An allergist can then make recommendations for allergen avoidance that may minimize the need for medication or eliminate chronic medications altogether. For severe allergy sufferers, allergen avoidance and targeted medication use can significantly improve one's quality of life.

To learn more about allergies, asthma, and other diseases that affect the immune system visit http://www.aachou.com

###