WNKY News 40 Reports: Allergies or Asthma?

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – Sniffles. Sneezing and coughing. Winter just ended and spring has begun, which means allergies have started up, too.

Dr. Shekar, a physician with the Medical Center at Bowling Green, says simple allergies can be treated with familiar methods: over-the-counter medications and nasal steroids should help.

But, if those over-the-counter medications don’t work, it’s time to tal to your healthcare provider since prescription medications may be needed.

It could also be more than allergies.

She says allergies can trigger asthma attacks. It’s called allergic asthma and it is very common in Kentucky and in this area because of the high pollen content.

Be on the lookout for symptoms such as: coughing, especially at night, difficulty sleeping, esophageal reflux, also known as GERD or Wheezing

Since those can be signs of asthma, a serious respiratory condition that needs to be managed by you and your healthcare provider.