Ask the Doc … are the symptoms a cold or allergies?
As the weather and seasons change, you begin to sneeze, your throat becomes itchy and you develop a runny itchy nose and puffy watery eyes. Is it a cold or do you have seasonal allergies?
People are often confused about which condition is causing their symptoms because the symptoms of seasonal allergies are very similar to the symptoms of colds and sometimes even the flu.
There are a few ways, however, to tell the difference.
Compared to seasonal allergies that continue as long as a person is exposed to the allergy-causing agent (allergen), colds generally do not last very long and average 7 to 10 days in duration.
When comparing differences we must also look at the time of year. Allergies are more common in the spring through fall when plants are pollinating and may develop around the same time every year.
Colds are more common during the winter months. Allergy symptoms tend to occur all at once in comparison to colds where symptoms often appear one at a time; sneezing may occur first followed by a runny nose and then congestion.
Sneezing is more common in allergies than with colds, especially when it occurs two to three times in a row. The mucus in allergies is more likely a clear, thin, watery discharge but is often a yellowish nasal discharge in colds, if an infection exist. Fever is usually not associated with allergies, but may occur with colds in addition to aches and pains.
Itching of the nose, eyes and throat is more likely seen in allergies, although both allergies and colds may have symptoms that include runny nose, watery eyes, coughing and sore throat. Allergy sufferers may have stuffed up sinuses, redness of the whites of their eyes and eyelids that may become red and swollen.
Beyond the symptoms alone, allergies can take a lot out of you, and sufferers may experience tiredness, irritability, missed days out of school or work, or trouble sleeping.
There are approximately 35 million people with seasonal allergies, commonly called hay fever or allergic rhinitis. The term hay fever is misleading because symptoms do not occur only in the summer when hay is traditionally gathered and it is generally never associated with fever.
A seasonal allergy is an allergic reaction to a trigger such as pollen from trees, weeds, and grasses that usually only present for part of a year. Perennial allergies however are usually present year round and include allergens such as house dust mites and pet dander. Molds can be a seasonal or perennial allergy trigger.
Pollen from trees that start pollinating between January to April can result in spring allergies. Certain trees including oak, elm, birch, ash, hickory, sycamore, maple, walnut, poplar, and cypress can cause severe allergies. Grass pollen is the most common cause of late spring and early summer allergies and weed pollen is the causes of symptoms in the late summer and early fall. Pollen counts are highest on dry, windy days.
Other seasonal allergy triggers include mold spores. Indoor mold spores grow in damp rooms like bathrooms and basements and outdoor mold spores may grow on rotting logs, fallen leaves, mulches and compost.
Animal dander found in the saliva and skin oil in animals is another allergy trigger, in addition to cockroaches and dust mites that may be found on curtains, bedding, mattresses and carpets.
If you suspect that you are an allergy sufferer it is best to talk to your health care provider. Allergy medicines come in several different forms including liquids, pills, nasal sprays, and creams.
It is not uncommon to try more than one medicine before you find the one that works best. These medications include oral and nasal antihistamines (to help relieve sneezing, runny nose and itchy nose and eyes), leukotriene blockers, nasal corticosteroids and decongestants. Allergy shots is an option for some allergy sufferers if other treatments are ineffective; but it is not for everyone. Allergy shot treatments can take months or years but can be effective for treating indoor and outdoor allergens in some people.
There are tips for avoiding some triggers that allergy sufferers can try.
For indoor triggers:
• Reduce humidity. Keep damp rooms well ventilated. Use an exhaust fan or open a window after taking a shower.
• Keep indoor humidity between 35 and 45 percent. If you use a dehumidifier, clean it well to avoid mold.
• Remove any carpets in damp areas like the bathroom.
• Limit the number of plants in you home. Damp soil grows mold.
• Clean moldy surfaces with bleach, and repair any leaks.
Animal Dander:
• If you have pets, wash them weekly. Keep pets out of the bedroom. Wash your hands thoroughly after touching any pets.
Dust Mites:
• Remove carpets from the bedrooms and replace with hardwood or tile.
• Remove all stuffed animals from the bedroom and store them in plastic bins.
• Wash blankets and sheets weekly in hot water (130 degrees).
• Cover mattresses, box springs and pillows in allergy-proof covers.
• Vacuum floors and dust surfaces weekly with a damp cloth.
Cockroaches:
• To keep cockroaches out of your home, clean regularly, especially the kitchen and floors and take out the garbage. Wipe up crumbs and store food in sealed containers.
• Block areas where cockroaches can get in, like cracks in walls, floors or drains.
For outdoor triggers:
• Keep car and house windows closed when pollen or mold counts are high.
•Limit your time outside when pollen counts are highest (5 a.m. to 10 a.m.)
• Take a bath, wash your hair and change clothes before going to bed if you have been outside.
• Use central air conditioning and a HEPA filter.
• Clean up fallen leaves and stay away from lawn work which can stir up mold spores.
• Fix any leaks outside that might make surfaces wet and allow mold to grow.
If you suspect that you have symptoms due to allergies, it is very important that you see your health care provider who can correctly diagnose and properly treat your symptoms.
This is Dr. Beryl Bachus-Keith reminding you that prevention is the key to good health and wellness, so make a vow and commit to good health. “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”
