If you are suffering from sneezing, wheezing, and a runny nose, it could be more than just a spring-time cold.

More than 50 million Americans have upper respiratory symptoms and asthma caused by allergies. Dr. Akshay Sood, assistant professor of pulmonary medicine at SIU School of Medicine in Springfield, says spring-time allergy symptoms are very similar to those of a common cold, but if they last more than 10 days, you could be suffering from allergies. He explains the symptoms:

SOUND BITE: "The common symptoms of spring allergies are itching, redness and burning of the eyes, itching and burning of the nose including increased nasal secretions, ah sore throat, ah hoarseness of voice, ah constant feeling of a tickle in the back of your throat from a drip that is going from the back of your nose to your throat, ah skin changes and asthma."

People of all ages can have allergies and spring is the worst time of year for those affected by outdoor allergens such as pollen, trees and grass. Some people are allergic to indoor allergens such as dust mites, mold and pet dander. When allergic symptoms are not treated they can cause sinitus, infection and asthma. Dr. Sood explains some of the treatments for allergies:

SOUND BITE: ". . . the commonist mode of treatment for allergies is the use of nasal steroids and now a new bunch of medications that have come out is called lukotrimena modifiers ah and the classical example, which you may have heard on television is Singular and Accolate."

Immunotherapy, which is a series of shots that contain the allergens causing the symptoms, is another option for treatment. Dr. Sood advises practicing environmental management, which includes removing or avoiding things that cause the allergies. Anyone suffering from allergies should see their primary care physician, who may recommend an allergist or pulmonologist for further treatment.