As we go into colder months you might end up sneezing and sniffling slightly more, but just how do you know if you have allergies or a cold or 'flu?
The University of Alabama's ear, nose and throat specialist Do-Yeon Cho, M.D. has outlined how to tell the difference so you can treat and prevent fall allergies efficiently.
Know your symptoms
A runny nose, stuffy nose, and congestion are all crossover symptoms involving allergies and influenza that could make it hard to tell them apart. However, influenza symptoms tend to be more severe and can include a headache, tiredness, general aches, and pains, along with a high fever that lasts a few days.
Check when symptoms lasts
Allergies also often survive more than a cold or the flu, together with Cho explaining that, "Colds and flu rarely last beyond a couple of weeks. Allergy symptoms normally last as long as you're exposed to the allergen, which may be roughly six weeks through pollen seasons in the spring, fall or summer."
Be aware
Together with Cho recommending a visit to an ENT or allergist for skin tests or blood work to learn what might be your causes, each year brings allergens.
He adds that frequent fall triggers include smoke from fireplaces, candy components, pine trees and wreaths, pollen from weeds, mould spores, which may grow not just in damp bathrooms and basements but even in wet piles of autumn leaves, and dust mites, which is thrown into the air the first time somebody turns on their central heating in the colder season.
Take Action to prevent
Cho advises consulting with an ENT or allergist to think of the plan to avoid flare-ups.
But, precautions you can take on a daily basis include restricting outdoor activities when pollen counts are high, taking allergy medication before pollen season begins to prevent the body from releasing histamines and other substances that cause allergic symptoms, using high-efficiency parasitic absorbance (HEPA) air filters to help reduce exposure to allergens, and keeping levels of cleanliness to prevent allergic reactions. This includes shampooing daily before going to bed and showering, washing bedding in hot water, and drying clothes on an outdoor line, not in a clothes dryer. Cho recommends clothes as other allergens and pollen tend to cling to cloths.
Locate an effective treatment
Fall allergies can frequently be treated by drugs, such as oral/nasal antihistamines and nasal sprays. New studies have also shown that a mix of oral antihistamines and nasal sprays could be even more effective. "Allergy shots are just another possible cure for specific allergies and may be useful in controlling allergies when avoidance measures and medications provide incomplete aid," adds Cho.
Consult with an EMT or allergy specialist if over-the-counter medication isn't working, as treatments and allergies may differ from person to person.
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