Test Your Knowledge

There are a number of conditions that may be caused by colds or allergies. These include:

• Sinusitis. An inflammation of the sinuses that may affect the nose, eyes and ears. Sinusitis may be caused by infection, irritation or allergic reactions. Inflammation and swelling of nasal tissue caused by an allergic reaction is called allergic sinusitis. Sinusitis can be chronic (long term) or acute (short term and intense). Chronic sinusitis is the most common chronic illness in the United States. A variety of factors contribute to the development of sinusitis including colds, allergies, congenital disease, trauma, and inflammatory disease. Nasal allergies are different from sinusitis.
  

  

• Rhinitis. Rhinitis is an inflammation of the mucous membranes of the nose. Allergic rhinitis is caused by allergies and is characterized by a runny nose, sneezing, congestion, and itchy eyes, nose, throat and inner ears. Allergic rhinitis may cause sinus disease, as well as recurring ear infections (otitis media). Non-allergic rhinitis is characterized by a swollen and inflamed nasal lining, clear nasal discharge and a stuffy nose.
  

  

• Rhinosinusitis. Rhinosinusitis is an inflammatory condition that involves both the lining of the nose (rhinitis) and the sinuses (sinusitis). Nasal polyps are often associated with rhinosinusitis. Rhinitis typically precedes sinusitis, and sinusitis without rhinitis is rare. Therefore, the term rhinosinusitis is starting to replace sinusitis. Nasal allergies can produce rhinitis and symptoms that resemble sinusitis
  
  
• Conjunctivitis. Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the eyes. It is characterized by itchy and watery eyes. The thin membranes covering the exposed surface of the eyes (conjunctiva) are active immune system tissues. Conjunctivitis may be caused by allergies, infections or irritation. The infectious form of conjunctivitis is also known as pink eye. Allergic conjunctivitis is the most common form of allergic eye disease.

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• Bronchitis. Bronchitis is an inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes that connect the windpipe (trachea) to the lungs. When the bronchi are inflamed, less air is able to flow to and from the lungs and heavy mucus is coughed up. acute bronchitis is often associated with a severe cold. Allergic bronchitis is caused by an allergic reaction. Chronic bronchitis is associated with cigarette smoking and other environmental irritants.
  
  
• Ear infection (otitis media). An ear infection is an inflammation and/or infection of the middle ear typically proceeded by or associated with a viral upper respiratory tract infection. In many cases, allergic conditions contribute to recurring bouts of ear infection. The condition is characterized by ear pressure and pain, ear itchiness and drainage from the ear. Nausea, vomiting and fever may also occur.