Excessive coughing, unbearable congestion, and frequent sneezing is this the signs of a pesky cold or do I have allergies? Determining and distinguishing the differences between what symptoms make up a common cold and what symptoms are composed of allergies is no easy task! Allergies and a cold present very similar symptoms including watery eyes, itchy sore throat, sneezing, and a runny nose, and although these symptoms are almost indistinguishable among the two, there are some other tell-tale signs that may help in your determination of these two illnesses.
But first, knowing what each of these illnesses is, is important to better understanding what your symptoms could mean. A cold is an infection caused by a virus, it begins when a virus attaches to the lining of your nose or throat. Your immune system – the body’s defense against germs sends out white blood cells to attack this invader, therefore leading to the symptoms described above. Whereas allergies are a reaction that is caused by the immune system in response to environmental substances in the air. These responses range in different forms including food, pollen, dust mites, animals, insects, and medications.
Key Factors of Allergies
- Mucus Color: If, when you are blowing your nose your mucus is clear, you can detect that a cold is likely not at play. Colds usually leave yellowish-green gunk when you blow your nose, whereas allergies will have clear mucus.
- Eye Irritation: A common cold rarely ever presents eye irritation or itchy eyes to those affected by a cold. Whereas with allergies, one of the first indicating signs is itchy, irritated eyes.
- Fluctuations in Symptoms: According to medical professionals, allergies may feel extra intense for a few days, but the actual symptoms will stay the same with just fluctuations in intensity. A cold will only have symptoms for a short duration of time, usually 7 to 10 days.
- Situational Symptoms: When and where your symptoms occur can be one of the biggest signs of allergies. Situational symptoms occur depending on the season, exposure to specific allergens, and even in specific environments.
How to Get Rid of Allergies
If you experience allergies, the biggest question you may have is how to get rid of allergies completely. Allergies can significantly impact your quality of life, therefore finding treatments to aid your allergy relief is essential.
- Allergy Medicine: Some people will search for allergy relief from medication. Typical allergy medication can be purchased at any convenience store to help aid in relief from allergy symptoms.
- Hypoallergenic Bedding: Making your room an allergy-free zone can help you in lessening symptoms. Thus, hypoallergenic bedding may be able to aid your allergy relief, as it is made from materials that provide an effective barrier against allergens.
- HEPA Air Purifier: Air filters and purifiers are crafted to aid in the removal of allergens in your home. HEPA filters, in particular, are specifically designed to remove small particulate matter like allergens, that are larger than 0.3 microns in size. The EnviroKlenz Mobile Air System is an effective HEPA air purifier that also utilizes a patented earth mineral technology to effectively neutralize a broad spectrum of chemicals and noxious odors from the indoor air.
