Are your cold symptoms really allergies? Find out

Are your cold symptoms really allergies? Find out

The symptoms of a cold and allergies are very similar - runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing, sore throat and stuffy head. As the seasons change, your body changes too. It's common for people to catch a cold every time the season changes, which can make it difficult to know whether they're suffering from seasonal allergies or just a cold. A naturopathic family caregiver can provide natural allergy testing and treatments.

Another way to determine whether your symptoms are related to a cold or allergies is to look for telltale signs like fever. This is usually associated with flu and colds. People are usually confused because allergies are sometimes referred to as hay fever, but this is not actually a fever. How long you notice the symptoms also gives an indication of the cause.

If you have a cold, symptoms usually don't last longer than two weeks. Allergies, on the other hand, last much longer. Some people experience allergy symptoms throughout a season or year. This is especially true for people battling indoor allergens like mold and dust mites.

Determine if you have allergies

Aside from going to a naturopathic family care center for testing, there are other ways to determine whether your symptoms are due to a cold or allergies. For example, if you notice that your symptoms worsen at a certain time of day or with certain activities, it could be allergies. Anyone who is allergic to dust mites can wake up with a congestion. Those who notice symptoms during a morning walk may notice signs of pollen in the air.

A child with symptoms of sneezing and coughing in the dead of winter and after being around sick friends probably has a cold. Age can also help determine where the symptoms are coming from. Outdoor allergies usually appear between the ages of four and six. Indoor allergies usually begin around age 3.

Other signs that a child may have allergies include eczema. It is very common for eczema and allergies to occur at the same time. Those who experience both are also more likely to develop asthma. A child has a higher risk of developing allergies if both parents have it.

Mucus is another area to check to see if you have allergies or just another cold. If you notice that your mucus is clear and water-like, allergies are more likely. Thicker green-tinted mucus is an indication of a virus.

Symptoms you want to look out for include chest tightness, wheezing, and shortness of breath, as these can be a sign of asthma or allergic asthma.

Food-induced asthma symptoms

Allergies such as pollen and dander can lead to asthma attacks. It is also known that food allergies can cause the same thing. This is not as common as airborne allergens, but it is still important to know about. It initially begins with normal 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 for the throat to swell, making it difficult to breathe - this is also known as anaphylaxis.

There are a number of ingredients in junk food that can increase the risk of childhood allergies and asthma. Food preservatives are a culprit that can cause asthma attacks. One of them is sulfites, which are found in shrimp, wine and dried fruits.

Sometimes the best way to avoid allergies is to change the way you eat. You can learn more about treating allergy symptoms naturally by consulting a naturopathic primary care physician.