Respiratory allergies are commonly known as hay fever, allergic rhinitis ("rhinitis" simply means inflammation of the nose), seasonal allergic rhinitis, or pollinosis. They are the result of an exaggerated respiratory response to allergens, most commonly pollens. Colds, on the other hand, are upper respiratory infections caused by the common cold virus, rhinovirus, or any of a number of other kinds of viruses.
Asthma is a chronic lung disease characterized by inflammation and spasm of the airways. This causes breathing problems such as coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. Asthma can be triggered by environmental factors, infections, allergies, exercise, temperature changes or other airway irritants.
Answered by
deepa iyer
, an ibibo Advisor,
at
7:47 PM on April 26, 2008