Now that we have some ideas about allergies, how do you know whether allergies are your problems? If you are unsure, you might ask yourself the following questions, which can serve as a guide. A "yes" answer to any of them may indicate an allergic basis for your complaints.

An Allergy Quiz
1. Do you suffer from hives?
2. Do you get frequent itchy skin rashes?
3. Do you get localized areas of skin swellings or bumpiness?
4. Do you suffer with migraine or other headaches?
5. Do you complain of chronic fatigue that is not alleviated by sleep?
6. Do you complain of red, itchy, or watery eyes?
7. Do you have dark rings or swelling around your eyes?
8. Do you have trouble with your contact lenses?
9. Are your ears frequently stuffed or popping?
10. Do you complain of catching frequent "colds"?
11. Do you suffer with sinus congestion?
12. Do you have a constant postnasal drip?
13. Is your nose always stuffed or running?
14. Do you have frequent nosebleeds?
15. Do you snore heavily at night or have other nightly breathing problems?
16. Do you find your sense of taste or smell dulled?
17. Do you wheeze?
18. Are you troubled by a constant cough?
19. Are you annoyed by a tickle in your throat?
20. Do you suffer with bloating, frequent abdominal cramping, nausea, or diarrhea?

A few words to the wise are in order: Since each of the above complaints may also be caused by a variety of nonallergic disorders, it would be prudent to seek the advice of a qualified physician to determine the precise cause(s) of your problem.