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Is it Allergies, Colds, or COVID-19? Here are the Symptom Differences

In times like these, it is difficult to be sick. Just a simple sneeze or sniffles can trigger anxiety for a lot of people. On the one hand, these are common symptoms of common colds. However, these can often be mistaken as signs of COVID-19.

There is no doubt how this global pandemic affected our daily routines. There might be some people who experience some kind of body discomfort but are afraid to go to hospitals. Even consulting an allergy physician and other medical specialists can be a little challenging nowadays.

Facing fears and the unknown

Whether we admit it or not, COVID-19 has caused anxiety and stress at some point in our lives. Even if most people are in the safety of their homes, we cannot help but think about others who aren’t. They might be front liners and medical personnel that have no choice but to attend to their sworn duties.

As for those at home, it is important to stay indoors as much as we can. Take vitamins and eat healthy foods to boost our health and immune system. Practice proper hygiene and handwashing at all times. Consult an allergy specialist doctor online if you experience any allergic symptoms.

But sometimes, we cannot help but think about what will happen in the next coming days. What if we suddenly fell ill and we have to go to an allergy clinic or a hospital? What if the hospital or clinic nearby is not sanitized enough and contains the dreaded virus? Worst, what if you get the dreaded virus?

Is it allergies or COVID-19?

It is the spring season in many countries, so you can expect a lot of people suffering from seasonal allergies. You might have to consult an allergist if you experience the usual allergy symptoms.

Unfortunately, the symptoms of allergies can be similar to that of COVID-19. Even a simple cough, sore throat, or sneeze can cause panic not only to you but also to other people. On the other hand, there are also a lot of people who recover from this dreaded disease.

Then again, we should not underestimate the potential complications COVID-19 can bring. As of date, there are more than 250,000 deaths around the world due to the virus. Some people experience mild to none of the symptoms. But some experience extreme symptoms which lead to intubation and oxygen support.

How to know if it’s an allergy, common cold, or COVID-19

First of all, you need to monitor your symptoms. As mentioned, allergy, colds, and COVID-19 symptoms can be similar. This includes cough, loss of sense of taste and smell, and breathing difficulties. If you suspect of being in contact with a potential allergen, make sure to consult an allergist doctor at least online.

Some people also experience diarrhea or vomiting due to allergic reactions (ex. lactose intolerance). But if symptoms worsen after a week or so, perhaps it is a good idea to contact a doctor to get tested for possible COVID-19.

Meanwhile, common signs of allergies may include itchy eyes and nose, sore throat, and sneezing. Some may also experience skin rashes that can be itchy. Most of these symptoms usually appear a couple of minutes or hours after you came into contact with an allergen. In such cases, you should consult an allergy doctor for proper treatment.

Common colds can also be mistaken as an allergic reaction and COVID-19. Sore throat, runny nose, sneezing, and coughing are some symptoms of common colds. You can take care of it by taking over-the-counter medications. Or try home remedies like drinking lots of water or natural citrus drinks.

Enlightenment, not fear

It can be easy to confuse common colds and allergies with COVID-19. For one thing, most of their symptoms are similar to each other. However, it depends on the severity and the duration these symptoms manifest themselves.

For example, allergy symptoms usually appear minutes or a few hours after coming into contact with an allergen. In such cases, you should consult an allergist doctor in Manassas VA immediately.

On the other hand, COVID-19 can be stealthy. Some people may experience symptoms, while others do not. Nonetheless, it is important to consider the people around you. Make sure to wash your hands and keep yourselves clean at all times. Most importantly, you should keep yourselves healthy and at home until it is safe to do our usual routines like before.

Don’t Let the Bed Bugs Bite: Protect Yourself From These Critters

Since we are on quarantine due to COVID-19, we have more time to spend lying down on our beds. Now is also the time to appreciate that we have a home to shelter us from the virus. We have to be thankful that we have a nice bed to sleep on at night despite the uncertainty this virus is causing is right now.

This is also the time to keep yourself healthy amidst the health crisis. Even at home, you can do some home workouts and eat freshly-prepared meals.

It is also better you should learn how to deal with your allergies in case you have one. In case you need consultations, you can contact an allergist doctor online to help manage your symptoms while on quarantine.

What’s bugging you?

Bedtime is supposedly the time everyone looks forward to. After all, our bed is our safe haven from all the stress and uncertainty of our lives. It is supposed the bed that will bring us to dreamland and a good night’s sleep. Unfortunately, it’s not always the case.

Apparently, there is this tiny enemy that plagues a lot of people, especially during bedtime. These tiny pests, called bed bugs, commonly exist in mattresses and upholstered furniture. Actually, they can be seen by the naked eye but can still pester your precious bedtime, nonetheless.

For starters, bed bugs are small insects that bite exposed human and animal skin and feed on their blood. Bed bugs do not cause the outbreak of diseases. However, it can also cause other health concerns and even affect your budget.

On the one hand, bed bugs can cause rashes and allergic reactions. If you experience any allergic reactions due to bed bug bites, you should consult an allergist specialist. Some may experience mild reactions, but it can be life-threatening in other cases.

Symptoms and risks

Bed bugs often exist in bed cracks and crevices, headboards, bed frames, or box springs. These critters can also be found under carpeting, electrical outlets, light switch plates, or peeling paint or wallpaper.

The risks of getting bitten by bed bugs are higher when you spend time in homeless shelters, hospitals, or hotels. That said, the risk of allergic reactions is high as well especially if you are allergic to bed bugs.

If you experience the following, you might as well consult an allergist doctor immediately. Otherwise, it might lead to life-threatening consequences if left untreated. Common signs of bed bug bites include:

  • Itchiness
  • Red spots that are aligned or in clusters
  • Bite marks on the arms, legs, face, or neck
  • Allergic reactions such as hives or blisters

If you experience the latter, watch out for more severe reactions like difficulty in breathing or swelling. It can also cause anaphylactic shock in the worst cases. If so, consult an allergy specialist or visit an allergy clinic if possible at this time.

Preventing bed bug bites and getting rid of the bugs

Unfortunately, most allergic reactions due to bed bug bites may be mistaken as mosquito or flea bites. That is why you need to take note of the common symptoms as mentioned above.

One way to treat bed bug bites is by using antihistamines. Corticosteroid creams can also help alleviate the itching due to bed bug bites. Before the symptoms get worst, it is best to talk to an allergy specialist doctor.

Other tips to minimize the impact of bed bug infestation include the following.

  • Do not scratch the bitten area or it may lead to bleeding or infection.
  • Check your bed including the mattress and bed frame for any presence of bed bugs.
  • If possible, hire a professional pest control company that will help treat bed bugs.
  • Do not use the mattress or furniture with a bed bug infestation. If possible, remove and replace it with a fresher one.

Conclusion

Bed bugs can be annoying and can affect your good night’s sleep. It will leave you scratching and even cause infections. In the worst cases, it can lead to allergic reactions that can be life-threatening if left untreated.

If you got bitten by a bed bug, watch for any signs of the abovementioned symptoms. Better yet, let your allergist in Manassas know of your situation. At the end of the day, we all deserve a good and quality sleep every night, especially during this quarantine period.

Systems On: Essential Tips on Boosting Your Immune System

Being generally healthy is important so we can be able to do things we have to do every day. That is why we are often advised to take vitamins and health supplements as well as having regular physical activities. At the same time, we should adopt a healthy diet and avoid junk foods as much as possible. By doing all these, we can have a better immune system that will lessen our risk of having common illnesses and other sorts of diseases.

However, our immune system may have some slight flaws. For one, the immune system usually causes allergic triggers that need to be consulted to an allergy doctor immediately. While our immune system is meant to protect us from getting sick, an overreaction from certain triggers such as pollen or dust can make some people head straight to an allergy clinic.

What does the immune system really do?

For starters, the immune system’s main purpose is to protect our bodies from illness-causing bacteria and viruses. It basically serves as our armor of protection against the “bad guys”—that is, common illnesses such as cough and colds, and even serious medical conditions such as cancer.

Apparently, the lymphoid organs play a vital role in the overall functioning of our immune system. Included in the lymphoid organs are the bone marrow, lymph nodes, appendix, spleen, and tonsils among a few. These organs work collaboratively to protect our entire body from infections that can wreak havoc to our health.

But as mentioned, the immune systems somehow has its flaws depending on how people perceive it. While such so-called flaws are one way to protect us from certain substances and microorganisms, it can cause reactions that can potentially be fatal to the person.

Some known signs of an allergic reaction due to the immune system’s reaction to certain allergens include sneezing, runny nose, itching, and in worst cases, anaphylactic shock and even death. That is why it is important for you to identify the cause of your allergies if you have one. For any signs of allergic reactions, you should consult an allergy physician immediately for proper treatment.

What causes weak immune systems?

As mentioned, the immune system is composed of several organs that work together to provide protection to our bodies against disease-causing bacteria and viruses. However, certain factors can affect your immune system.

As a result, a weakened immune system cannot play its crucial role of protecting you against illnesses and infections. Some of the reasons that can affect your immune system are the following.

  • Lack of sleep
  • Poor diet and nutrition
  • Smoking
  • Taking certain medications
  • HIV
  • Exercising too much

A weakened immune system can also affect people suffering from allergies and asthma. As mentioned, certain triggers can cause the immune system to overreact and result to adverse effects on the body. When symptoms appear, make sure to visit an allergist specialist immediately. Allergy testing may be necessary to determine triggers and come up with treatments to help manage it.

Symptoms of a weakened immune system

You might experience one or more of the following if you have a weak immune system.

  • Frequent occurrence of allergies
  • Digestive problems
  • Wounds take a long time to heal
  • Lethargy or tiredness
  • Frequent illness
  • Joint pains

How to strengthen your immune system

It is important to keep ourselves healthy to prevent the effects of a weak immune system. This is especially crucial for those who suffer from allergies. For one thing, going on frequent trips to an asthma doctor can be physically and financially exhausting and you should break that cycle right now. Here are some essential tips to strengthen your immune system.

  • Practice good hygiene. Never take handwashing for granted because that’s where everything starts in terms of germ contacts and all.
  • Make sure to disinfect items that your household members often touch such as the remote control and doorknobs.
  • Relax and don’t let stress eat you up. Get some stress-busting activities such as yoga, massages, and doing hobbies like reading or crocheting.
  • Have enough sleep. Experts recommend that adults should have at least 7 hours of sleep per day.
  • Eat a healthy diet and have a regular exercise (but do not overdo it).
  • Take health supplements for iron, zinc, vitamins A, D, E, and folic acid.
  • If you have allergic symptoms, visit an allergy clinic in Germantown MD immediately for proper treatment.

Anaphylaxis: A Life-Threatening Allergic Reaction You Should Take Seriously

Allergic reactions vary from person to person. On one hand, some might experience mild reactions that can be manageable by taking prescribed medications. On the other hand, some individuals may experience severe allergic reactions to the point of life-threatening. While the latter should be brought to the nearest allergy clinic immediately, all kinds of allergic reactions should be addressed for proper treatment nonetheless.

There are people who experience severe allergic reactions to allergens that can potentially be deadly for them. This frightening reaction is called anaphylaxis, which occurs when there is an excessive chemical release and results in shock.

Anaphylaxis commonly occurs to certain allergens such as food, latex, medications, and insect stings. If there are symptoms that appear following contact with the mentioned allergens, it is best to consult an allergy physician immediately. Just because it hasn’t happened to you in the past doesn’t mean anaphylaxis won’t happen to you ever in your life.

What causes anaphylaxis?

As you might know, our immune system is capable of producing antibodies that protect us against foreign substances like harmful viruses or bacteria. However, some people tend to overreact to these foreign substances. Some allergic reactions are not really life-threatening, but some people do experience intense reactions that lead to anaphylaxis.

As mentioned, everyone is susceptible to experiencing anaphylaxis even if you haven’t experienced this for once in your life. More so, you have higher chances of having an anaphylactic shock if you have experienced this at least once in the past.

Among common triggers include certain foods like shellfish and peanuts, as well as antibiotics and other certain medications. Latex (ex. ones used in gloves) and insect stings can also trigger anaphylaxis as well. Some triggers may not be as common as the previously mentioned ones such as intense physical activities. Regardless of the allergic triggers, it is best to consult an allergy specialist doctor immediately.

Common symptoms of anaphylaxis

Symptoms of anaphylaxis usually occur in a snap and may progress later on. At first, symptoms can be mild just like the usual such as a runny nose or a skin rash. However, it can lead to the worst if you do not address it immediately to an allergy specialist. Among symptoms to watch out for include the following.

  • Tightening of the throat, resulting in breathing difficulties
  • Appearance of hives
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Dizziness and fainting spells
  • Low blood pressure or increase in heartbeat rate
  • Cardiac arrest, in worst cases

If you have first experienced mild anaphylaxis before, you should still not take it for granted. In some cases, the next occurrence can be worse and can even lead to worse reactions and even death. Before it becomes too late, it is best to call an allergist doctor to help manage your allergic triggers.

Diagnosis and treatment

As mentioned, any allergic reactions that are not the usual should be treated immediately by an allergy doctor. If you or someone you know show signs of severe allergic reactions, it is best to have it treated immediately. Call for emergency assistance and remove the offending allergen as much as possible.

Ensure that the patient is breathing well and as comfortable as possible. If there is a sign of low blood pressure, the person should remain in a supine position and raise the legs off the ground. In the event that the patient stops breathing, perform CPR immediately until paramedics arrive.

In some cases, the patient will be given an epinephrine injection which helps in stabilizing blood pressure and reduce the occurrence of swelling. It also helps in relaxing the muscles and prevents the progression of the allergic triggers that can worsen your condition.

Unfortunately, anaphylaxis can be unpredictable. As mentioned, it can happen to people who have not experienced this ever in their lives. That is why you should know the abovementioned symptoms and make sure you do not take those symptoms for granted. If those appear, make sure to visit an allergy physician to help you manage your condition.

Avoid the life-threatening risks of anaphylaxis

Allergic reactions vary from person to person, but should still be addressed by an allergist in Manassas VA. Anaphylaxis can happen to anyone, including you. That is why you should be able to identify your triggers if you have one. Contact the best allergists near you to help manage your allergies.