I'm new to the world of allergies. That's probably inaccurate. I'm new to the world of trying to do anything about allergies. I'm guessing I've had various allergies all my life--like the stuffed nose I had as a child all winter long, hmm. But remember the cold I had two and a half weeks ago? I still have symptoms and I'm getting on an airplane Friday, so I decided to see the doctor and see if she could hurry this cold along. I assumed this was an effort in futility, but, in fact, not. She told me I had kicked the cold, but the lingering cough and pressure in the ears were allergies. She proscribed allegra for a month and afrin on the airplane. I'm so excited I might actually be able to hear again.