Is it Allergies or a Cold?
Have you ever started noticing a pattern to your illness? Each year like clockwork, you seem to get sick. It seems like it is always just at the beginning of spring. It’s easy to remember, as it always seems like such a shame because the weather is starting to get nicer, the flowers are in bloom and you’re ready to be outdoors. Just as you think this, the next thing you know you are stuck in bed sniffling, with burning, watery eyes and a scratchy throat. Hardly seems fair for you to get a cold now of all times. But, wait. Is it a cold?
Diagnosing Allergies and Colds Correctly
It is important we correctly diagnose what ails us in order to treat it properly. Colds and allergies share many of the same symptoms, so it can be hard to tell one from the other sometimes. Probably the biggest difference between the two is that with allergies, you always have itchiness. When you have seasonal allergies, your eyes, nose and throat will itch and cause irritation which may make you sneeze, cough or make your eyes water. With a cold, you may run a fever, but never with allergies.
Colds come on gradually, a step at a time. You will end up with multiple symptoms, but not altogether, all at once. One day you may notice you sneeze, while the next your throat feels sore and so on. With allergies, everything begins all at the same time. You experience all the symptoms all at once, full blown the first day. And while colds typically run their course in 5-10 days, allergies like to stick around longer, lingering on.
Some people also differentiate between the throat symptoms of allergies versus colds by stating that while their throats actually feel sore during a cold, they don’t while suffering from seasonal allergies. The throat really has more of an itch to it during allergies rather than soreness. Many people who suffer from allergies find their symptoms peak late at night or early in the morning and tend to subside as the day goes on, until the cycle starts over again the same night.
Beyond Colds and Allergies – Sinus Infection
Another thing to consider beyond just colds or allergies is the possibility of a sinus infection. The symptoms of a sinus infection include a week or more of headaches accompanied by cold symptoms and possibly paired with a fever. If you suspect a sinus infection, it is a good idea to see your physician for antibiotic treatment.
Allergies run in families. If your parents don’t have allergies, it is not likely you will either. But, if both parents have allergies, you have a 75% chance of developing them. Pollution is another contributing factor to seasonal allergies being on the rise. Spring is the peak season for allergies, due to pollen in the air.
If you do find yourself suffering from seasonal allergies, see your allergist to see what types of treatments may be available to you. And, if you have a cold, drink plenty of fluids and get plenty of rest. Eventually the cold will run its course.
Allergy and Asthma Consultants
Dr. Brian Lipson is board certified in Allergy and Immunology as well as Internal Medicine. His specialized training allows him to focus on allergic and asthmatic conditions such as hay fever, sinus problems, hives, drug allergies, food allergies, and insect sting reactions. Dr. Lipson and his staff are dedicated to working with patients to provide the best possible solution toward better health.
Lipson Allergy and Asthma Consultants is located in Redwood City, CA on Main Street, and also has an office in Fremont, CA on Mowry Ave.
CALL US TODAY: 650-241-3490
