This spring's allergy season is unusually intense, according to the American Academy of Asthma, Allergy and Immunology. But even at this time of the year, not all upper-respiratory congestion stems from hay fever, or seasonal rhinitis. Your answers to the following four questions can help decide what course of action to take.

1. Are you experiencing nasal discharge that is clear in color, accompanied by itchy, teary eyes?

2. Are your symptoms worse when you're outdoors?

3. Are your symptoms worse when you're indoors?

4. Is your congestion accompanied by coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath?

1. If your nasal discharge is clear in color, you probably have allergic rhinitis, an allergy that mainly affects the nose and eyes. If, on the other hand, your nasal discharge has a yellow or greenish color, you may have a viral or bacterial infection.

2. If your symptoms worsen outdoors and occur in the spring or fall, you probably have hay fever, a form of allergic rhinitis that stems from allergic reactions to pollen from grass, blossoming trees, and weeds, or other outdoor allergens.

3. If your symptoms are worse indoors, and on and off in all seasons, your allergic rhinitis probably stems from reactions to pet dander, dust mites, or cockroach droppings.

4. Coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath may be due to allergic or nonallergic asthma. It's important to consult a physician, as asthma is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition, which can be controlled through prompt proper treatment.

If you suspect you have an allergy or asthma, make an appointment with your doctor soon. Prompt, proper treatment of allergic rhinitis can not only control the symptoms but also possibly prevent it from developing into asthma. And with so many options available--some much better than others (and with fewer side effects)--having up-to-date, unbiased information is very important.