Getting the sniffles can be annoying. Imagine you’re about to sleep but you cannot breathe properly while lying down due to a clogged nose. Or when you’re about to eat your favorite food but you cannot savor its taste because of your runny nose.
Most people think that a runny or stuffy nose, coughing, and sneezing means you have the common colds. However, these symptoms can also indicate signs of an allergic reaction. In such cases, you should consult an allergist doctor near you to treat those allergy symptoms.
But first of all, we must learn to distinguish the difference between common colds and allergies. For one thing, it can be tricky since most of their symptoms are similar. However, their root causes and treatment should be treated accordingly with proper medications.
Common colds vs. Allergies: Know the differences
Although the symptoms of colds and allergies are similar, these two are way different from each other. On the one hand, a common cold is due to different kinds of colds. It is transmitted via droplets from a sick person when they sneeze or cough. Among tell-tale signs of a common cold include:
- Runny or clogged nose
- Coughing
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Fever
- Body pains
- Watery eyes
People usually recover from colds between a week to up to 10 days. If the abovementioned symptoms last for more than 10 days, you might have yourself checked as it can mean a more serious condition like bronchitis or pneumonia. Colds are all-year-round according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
People who experience allergies and young children are more prone to colds. In such cases, you might have to go to an allergy clinic to help deal with your symptoms.
Allergies, on the other hand, happens following a reaction from the immune system due to contact with certain substances. These triggers, called allergens, cause the symptoms that are similar to that of common colds.
In some cases, those with allergies experience other symptoms not common in colds such as itchy eyes and rashes. Some people experience seasonal allergies, but allergies can be experienced all year round.
How to diagnose allergies and colds
You might not need to consult a doctor for common colds. But it can also be a good idea to consult an allergy doctor if you think you are experiencing symptoms beyond common colds.
In case of a bacterial or viral infection, you might have to undergo further tests like a chest X-ray. But in case of allergies, you need to consult an allergist specialist and undergo allergy testing.
That is why you need to know the abovementioned symptoms to differentiate whether you have colds or allergies. In the worst cases, you might already have been experiencing life-threatening symptoms without you realizing it.
How to deal with common colds
Common colds are not life-threatening unless the symptoms haven’t gone away for weeks. Over-the-counter cough syrups and medicines for colds as well as nasal sprays and pain relievers can provide relief from the common cold. Ask your doctor before taking over-the-counter medicines, especially for kids, or if you are pregnant or have an existing medical condition.
Other ways to provide relief from colds include:
- Not drinking caffeinated drinks
- Drinking more citrus-based drinks and water
- Steam baths
Likewise, you should follow the prescribed duration of taking the medications. Otherwise, it can lead to side effects.
How to deal with allergic reactions
There are other treatments for allergies and prevent its triggers. Antihistamines are the most popular allergy treatments such as Benedryl and Zyrtec. However, these treatments can have side effects such as drowsiness. But other antihistamines have a non-drowsy formula.
For those with a clogged nose, you should take decongestants for relief. Decongestants come in spray or pill forms. Like any other medicines, you should follow the doctor’s prescription to avoid experiencing side effects. Other treatments for allergies include eye drops (for itchy and watery eyes), corticosteroids, and allergy shots.
You should also visit an allergy clinic for proper treatment of allergies. Whether you have allergies or colds, it can affect your daily life nonetheless. Talk to the best allergist in Manassas VA for your allergy-related concerns.