The symptoms of a cold and allergies are very similar: runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing, sore throat and headache. As the seasons change, so does your body. It’s common for people to catch a cold every time the seasons change, which can make it hard to tell if they’re experiencing seasonal allergies or just a common cold. A naturopathic family care provider can offer natural allergy testing and treatment.
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 cold and flu. People are often confused because allergies are sometimes called hay fever, but it’s not really a fever. The duration of symptoms also provides a clue as 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 experience allergy symptoms throughout the season or throughout the year. This is especially the case for those struggling with indoor allergens like mold and dust mites.
Determine if you have allergies
Besides going to a naturopathic family care center to get tested, there are other ways to tell if your symptoms are due to a cold or allergies. For example, if you notice that your symptoms tend to be worse during a certain time of day or during particular activities, then it could be allergies. Anyone allergic to dust mites can wake up stuffy. Those who notice symptoms while walking in the morning may notice signs due to pollen in the air.
A child who has symptoms of sneezing and coughing during late winter and after hanging out with friends who are sick likely has a cold. Age can also help determine where symptoms stem from. Outdoor allergies usually appear between the ages of four and six. Indoor allergies usually begin 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 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 that you have allergies. Thicker mucus that is green in color is an indication of a virus.
Symptoms to watch 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 dander can contribute to asthma attacks. It is also known that food allergies can cause the same thing. This isn’t as common as airborne allergens, but it’s still important to know. It first begins as regular food allergy symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, hives, rash, or diarrhea, followed by asthmatic symptoms such as wheezing and coughing. It is also possible that the throat swells, 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 inside shrimp, wine, and dried fruit.
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 a family care naturopathic doctor.
