Is it a cold? Or is it allergies?
Dr Jennifer Sherman is a physician at Allergy & Asthma Specialists, PC in Saddle River, New Jersey. She is board certified in pediatrics, and allergy and immunology. Dr Sherman is a passionate advocate on national and local levels for patients with food allergy and is always happy to help educate the AllerMates community.
It is THAT season. The time when we assume it’s a cold, but in the back of our minds, know it could be allergies, even though those beautiful trees and flowers we often point the finger at aren’t in bloom. So which is it?!
Here are five things I tell my patients to help them determine the underlying cause, and to assist in expediting their recovery:
Don’t dismiss allergies because of the time of the year. Ragweed and pollen are big in our part of the world during certain months; while indoors, you can expect an uptick in dust mites as we spend more time inside keeping warm.
If you’ve been sick longer than a week-and-a-half, it’s safe to assume allergies. A cold normally lasts seven to 10 days, so if you’re sneezing and hacking beyond that, it’s likely an allergy.
A sore throat can be associated with allergies. That’s right; post-nasal drip caused by allergies can make your throat feel raw and sore.
Your allergies will NOT trigger a cold, and vice versa. Colds and allergies are two different ailments and should be handled as such.
Treatment should be sought for allergies, but little can be done about a cold. The best way to beat a cold is to get rest and to drink plenty of fluids. Seek the assistance of over-the-counter meds if you need it.
And a final word on allergies… Know that you can treat your allergy symptoms with over-the-counter antihistamines, nasal sprays and eye drops, but the best way to beat them is through a visit to your local allergist. He or she can help pinpoint your exact trigger(s) through testing, so that you can begin to isolate them and get better. For example, if pollen is your trigger, make sure you keep your windows closed in your home and car and take a shower after coming in from outside.
I hope these five facts helped dispel any confusion on colds versus allergies. More importantly, I hope it assists in getting you back to your (mucus-free) self in record time the next time one – or the other – strikes!
Sincerely,
Dr. Jennifer Sherman
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Take care of yourselves.
Iris Shamus
Iris Shamus Wife, mother to three awesome kids and founder/CEO of AllerMates. Based in New York, Iris and her team obsess every day about keeping families safe with the creation of fun products and content.
