Is It The Cold Or Is It Allergies
Do I have a cold or is it just allergies? Trying to figure out if you have a cold or allergies can be tricky since they share so many of the same symptoms. However, there are some elements that a cold and allergies do not share that can help you tell which one you have. So you can quickly get relief from the symptoms so you can go back to your regular routine.
Define Cold and Allergies
Colds are caused by many different kinds of viruses. So when a virus enters the body your immune system tries to fight it off. This can cause you to experience the common cold symptoms like coughing and a sore throat. Colds are also contagious. This means that you can get the cold from someone who already has it. You can get it through a handshake or through a sneeze. In addition, colds are usually present during the winter times and last for a couple of weeks before you can go back to your regular routine.
Allergies are caused by when your immune system mistakes a harmless substance like pollen as something that is harmful. Therefore, your body then releases a chemical substance called histamine which causes allergy symptoms like sneezing and a runny nose. Unlike colds, allergies are not contagious. Furthermore, allergies are present any time of the year as long as you are exposed to allergens or things that you are allergic to.
Symptoms
Colds appear few days after the virus has entered the body and some of the symptoms include:
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny/stuffy nose
- Sneezing
- Fatigue
- Aches/pains
- Fever
- Itchy eyes
Allergies can appear as soon as you are exposed to allergens and are mostly present during the spring season. Some of the symptoms include:
- Itchy eyes
- Runny/stuffy nose
- Sneezing
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Fatigue
Prevention
Allergies: To prevent allergy symptoms the best way is to avoid and limit yourself from the allergens that affect you. Some common things that people are allergic to are pollen, mold, dust and fresh cut gas.
Colds: To prevent cold symptoms or even catching a cold keep your distance from people who have a cold. Wash your hands often.
Treatment
There is no cure for colds or allergies; however, there are treatments that can reduce the symptoms that may be uncomfortable and annoying for you.
Allergies:
- Nasal Steroids - which reduce swelling in the nasal passages which help with congestion and a stuffy nose
- Medications - Which can help treat symptoms of some allergies like watery eyes, runny nose, itching eyes and sneezing
Colds:
- Over the Counter Medications - this can help with treating fever, aches and pains
- Prescription Medications - this can help with treating fever, aches and pains
- Getting extra rest
- Keep Hydrated
IMPORTANT NOTE: The above information is intended to increase awareness of health information and does not suggest treatment or diagnosis. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
