“Untreated, allergies can make you feel miserable. So can a cold. But, both can be managed with proper care (and/or) medication,” Penner said. “But, first you have to figure out which one you have — allergies or a cold.”
what are they? symptoms offer clues
Seasonal allergies are caused by an overactive immune system. The body mistakes harmless substances, such as mold or pollen, for germs and attacks them. Chemicals, such as histamine, are released by the body just as it does when fighting a cold. Allergies are not contagious, although some people may inherit a tendency to develop them.
DURATION: Several days to months, as long as you are exposed to the allergen.
TIME OF YEAR: Any time of the year, although some allergies are seasonal.
ONSET OF SYMPTOMS: Symptoms begin immediately after exposure to the allergen.
TO PREVENT: Avoid substances (allergens) you’re allergic to. If you’re allergic to pollen, for example, avoid opening your home/car windows on days when the pollen count is high.
• Avoid allergens
• Over-the-counter antihistamines for minor allergies.
• Prescription nasal steroid sprays such as budesonide (brand name Rhinocort), fluticasone (Flonase) and mometasone (Nasonex) used daily reduce swelling in the nasal passages and relieve congestion and other symptoms.
• Nonsedating oral antihistamines such as cetirizene (brand name Zyrtec), loratadine (brand name Claritin) and others (once available only by prescription) are now in generic form sold over the counter.
• Nasal antihistamines, brand names Astelin, Astepro or Patanase, cause less drowsiness than oral antihistamines.
• Ciclesonide (brand name Zetonna) is a nasal steroid aerosol spray recently approved by the FDA. It offers the same benefits as popular liquid nasal steroid sprays but in a dry aerosol form.
• Dymista, a combination nasal steroid and antihistamine spray, is waiting approval by the FDA and may be available later this year by prescription.
• Prescription antibiotic eye drops or ointment if irritated, itchy eyes turn out to be bacterial conjunctivitis (pink eye).
• Immunotherapy, or allergy shots, involves being injected with a small amount of the substance to which you are allergic. Over time, the dose is increased. By exposing you to greater and greater amounts of the allergen, your body may develop a tolerance to it.
New methods of immunotherapy, such as placing liquid allergens under the tongue instead of giving a series of injections, are being tested.
Can lead to sinus or middle ear infections or sometimes morph into asthma.
A cold is a viral infection, usually caused by one of the many rhinoviruses that infect the nasal passages. When one of these viruses gets into your body, your immune system attacks. Colds are contagious and may be caught from contact with an infected person or breathing air containing viral particles.
DURATION: 5-14 days
ONSET OF SYMPTOMS: Symptoms take a few days to appear after infection with the virus.
TIME OF YEAR: Most often in the winter but possible at any time.
TO PREVENT:: Keep your distance from people who have colds. Wash your hands often. To protect others, always cover your mouth and nose (with a tissue or your sleeve, rather than your hands) when sneezing or coughing.
• To reduce fever and body aches try ibuprofen, naproxen or acetaminophen.
• Decongestants, antihistamines, gargle, throat lozenges for nasal and throat irritation.
• Get extra rest.
• Drink plenty of fluids.
Can lead to sinus or middle ear infections.