Frequent Colds

It seems like lately I've been getting more colds then usual.  I use to average maybe 2 or 3 a year.  All of a sudden it seems like I get a cold it goes away then a week later I'm getting another cold.  I do have a slight allergy to tree pollen.  So I do take this into account.  There are times I wake up with a sore throat then my nose will feel irritated and the next thing I know I'm sneezing and having a runny nose.  I saw my doctor who did a throat culture which was normal.  I take Clarenex and Flosnase for my allergies.  Yet I still have the above symptoms.  Looking for some advice?

[Forum-M.D.-DT]

Thank you for visiting the Family Practice Forum.

Well, getting colds frequently certainly goes along with allergies. Whether it be allergic rhinitis or Asthma, these "allergens" make you more prone to upper respiratory infections. Has your doctor done a "Peak Flow" on you? This test helps to determine whether or not you may have asthma which is  one of the most "underdiagnosed" conditions. Lets talk more about asthma, why? because in my experience, those with recurrent upper respiratory infections either have some component of allergic rhinitis (hayfever) and/or Asthma.
Asthma is defined as

[searching]

Hi...  just wanted to add that if one does have asthma, beware of the dreaded trigger of PERFUME!  I have a hair-trigger asthmatic response to just about all of the triggers that Dr. Tomasello listed, as well as the triggers of perfumes, powders, and other strong-scented chemicals.  It still amazes me that some people are unaware that their own perfume or aftershave may be the culprit in not being able to get their asthma under control.  Case in point:  I once worked in an office setting with a woman who also had asthma.  I would avoid her like the plague because she wore a perfume which triggered my asthma attacks.  However, she, herself would cough and struggle to breathe all day long.  My best guess?  Most likely it was her own perfume not allowing her airways a break from being triggered!

[ravenscraig]

A related discussion, Have i got asma was started.

[Tiu]

A related discussion, Don't you know how to read??? was started.