The symptoms of a cold and allergies are very similar: runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing, sore throat, and congestion of the head. As the seasons change, so does your body. It’s common for people to catch colds every time the season changes, which can make it difficult to tell if they have seasonal allergies or just the common cold. A naturopathic family care provider can offer natural allergy tests and treatments.
Another way to tell if your symptoms are related to a cold or allergies is to look for telltale signs, such as a fever. This is normally associated with the flu and cold. People are often confused because allergies are sometimes called hay fever, but it is not actually a fever. The duration of the symptoms also provides a clue to the cause.
If you have a cold, the symptoms will usually not last more than two weeks. Allergies, on the other hand, last much longer. Some people witness allergy symptoms throughout the season or throughout the year. This is especially the case for those fighting indoor allergens like mold and dust mites.
Determine if you have allergies
Besides going to a naturopathic family care center for testing, there are other ways to find out if your symptoms are due to a cold or allergies. For example, if you notice that your symptoms tend to get worse during a certain time of day or during certain activities, it could be allergies. Anyone allergic to dust mites can wake up with congestion. Those who notice symptoms while taking a morning walk may notice signs due to pollen in the air.
A child who has symptoms of sneezing and coughing during late winter and after being around friends who are sick probably has a cold. Age can also help determine where symptoms are coming from. Outdoor allergies usually appear between the ages of four and six. Indoor allergies usually start around the age of 3.
Other signs that a child may have allergies is if they have eczema. It is very common for eczema and allergies to coexist. Those who witness both are also more likely to develop asthma. A child is at a higher risk of developing allergies if both parents have them.
Mucus is another area you can check to see if you have allergies or just another cold. If you notice that your mucus is clear and water-like, then it is more likely allergies. Thicker green mucus is an indication of a virus.
Symptoms to look out for include chest tightness, wheezing, and shortness of breath, as this can be a sign of asthma or allergic asthma.
Food-Induced Asthma Symptoms
Allergies like pollen and dandruff can contribute to asthma flare-ups. It is also known that food allergies can cause the same. This is not as common as airborne allergens, but it is important to know. It first begins as regular food allergy symptoms, such as nausea and vomiting, hives, rash, or diarrhea, and then follows asthmatic symptoms such as wheezing and coughing. The throat may also swell, making it difficult to breathe; this is also known as anaphylaxis.
There are a number of ingredients found in junk food that can increase the risk of allergies and asthma during childhood. Food preservatives are one of the culprits that can cause asthma attacks. One in particular is sulfites, which can be found within shrimp, wine, and nuts.
Sometimes the best way to avoid allergies is to change the way you eat. You can learn more about natural treatment for allergy symptoms by consulting with a family care naturopathic physician.
