Are You Allergic to the Weather?

If you're like me, a change of seasons means an addition to my wardrobe. Everywhere I go I carry a box of tissue.

Now, you probably blame the usual allergens—pollen from flowers, trees or grasses.

But in some cases the culprit might actually be the weather.

That's right—instead of all those little grains flying on the air, it could be a change in temperature or humidity that gives you the sniffles.

Weather fluctuations can trigger the membranes inside your nose to swell causing symptoms similar to those from hay fever such as runny nose, congestion and sneezing. And they can occur at the same time of year.

It's called non-allergic rhinitis. So, how do you know if that's what's causing all your nose-blowing? First of all, if you've got the symptoms, don't diagnose yourself—go get checked out by your doctor.

He or she may rule out allergies by doing skin or blood tests.

And if it is non-allergic rhinitis, your doc will give you suggestions—either medications or lifestyle tips like using a humidifier and drinking lots of fluids—to help you get back to your old self again.

And that's certainly nothing to sneeze at.