Maybe you were taught as a child that you would outgrow your allergies. Maybe you haven’t suffered in the past. Or maybe this is just a cold. The truth is, seasonal allergies can emerge or get worse later in life.

Here’s what you need to know about allergies and how to manage them.

Allergy symptoms versus cold symptoms

Allergies are your body’s response to typically harmless substances in your system that trigger an immune response.

Colds are caused by your immune system’s response to a virus.

Seasonal allergies are allergies whose severity vary throughout the year. For example, your allergies might be worse in the spring, when plants release pollen as they begin to grow.

You might have allergies if:

• You have irritated or itchy eyes
• You have a rash, hives or itching of skin
• Symptoms continue with no relief in sight

Catching a cold can happen at any time, especially if you’ve been around someone who’s been sick.

You might have a cold if:

• You have a fever
• You have body aches
• Your symptoms clear up and don’t return

The best way to know if you have a cold or allergies is to talk to your medical provider as many symptoms overlap and can be difficult to distinguish on your own.

Why allergies can get worse with age

As you age, the immune system changes. The aging process can make new allergies appear. It can make old ones feel worse. That’s because of the natural decline in organ function and weakening of breathing muscles.

Health conditions such as chronic lung disease, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and asthma can worsen allergies. On the flip side, allergies can make your chronic condition worse.

You might discover new allergies after moving to a new home because your body is allergic to something in the new environment you had not previously been exposed to.

Climate changes can lengthen pollen seasons, which means longer and more intense allergies. It’s also possible your confusion whether you have an allergy or cold is because you’re feeling allergic reactions during times you would expect to have a cold.

What treatments are available for allergies?

Antihistamine pills, capsules, liquid medicine and nasal sprays are common allergy medications. Antihistamines reduce symptoms by blocking chemicals your body releases during an allergic reaction.

A saline spray or nasal rinse can help clear congestion caused by allergies.

You can find allergy medications, sprays and rinses in your local drug or grocery store.

Your provider may recommend allergy shots. Allergy shots are injections you receive over a long period of time to help reduce or prevent allergy symptoms.

A provider is most likely to suggest allergy shots if medicine hasn’t reduced your symptoms or it interacts negatively with other drugs you take, or if you can’t avoid allergens.

What are the risks of allergy medications?

Like any type of medicine, allergy medications have side effects. Some antihistamines can cause extreme drowsiness, dry mouth, constipation, blurry vision, headache or nausea.

It’s especially important to make sure the allergy therapy you chose doesn’t affect the safety or effectiveness of other medication you’re taking. Always check with your provider before starting any new allergy medication. Your provider will make sure you get the medication that’s best for you.

Tips to reduce allergy exposure

Avoiding or reducing exposure to allergens is part of managing them. Here are some tips:

• Look at pollen forecasts. Plan your outdoor activities for when the pollen count is the lowest.
• When outdoors, avoid touching your eyes and face.
• Shower or change your clothes after being outside.
• Use an air purifier or specialized allergen filter in your heating and air-conditioning system.
• Leave windows closed and run the air conditioning so fewer allergens come inside.
• Consider wearing a mask to reduce inhaling allergens if conditions or allergies are more intense.

Your allergies might not be seasonal

Many things in the environment can cause allergic reactions. Other common allergens include:

• Foods
• Animals
• Medication
• Latex
• Smoke
• Dust and dust mites
• Contact allergies, such as poison ivy
• Molds
• Bee stings

It’s important to talk to your provider about allergies to make sure you’re being treated for the right condition, in the right way.