Allergies and the Common Cold
Understanding the Differences
1) What symptoms do colds and allergies share in common? Sneezing, runny and stuffy nose and normal body temperature (although occasionally you may run a slight fever with a cold) are common to both. Other commons symptoms include irritation of the throat and general run-down feeling. Allergies, but not colds, cause itching of the eyes, nose and throat.
But then, are they the same thing? No, an allergy is the body’s reaction to allergens such as animal, dander, mold, pollens and fungal spores. Seasonal allergies stem from lightweight, wind-blown pollens. Colds are infections caused by any one of 200 viruses.
2) Do colds and allergies have seasons? Most colds occur during the fall, winter and early spring. This may be due to the opening of school and cooler weather forcing people indoors - and in closer contact with each other. Seasonal allergies occur in the spring (due to tree pollen), summer (predominantly from grass and weed pollen), and fall (up to the first frost, mostly from ragweed pollen and molds).
Allergies and colds seem to be everywhere. More than 22 million Americans have seasonal allergies, also known as “allergic rhinitis.” or more commonly referred to as hay fever. Adults in the United States get an average of two to four colds a year, and children get six to eight.
The following are answers to commonly asked questions about similar and often misunderstood conditions.
3) How can I handle seasonal allergies? It is good advice to avoid the pollens that are causing your symptoms: close bedroom windows at night to keep pollen out; try not to go out when pollen levels are high; keep out of wooded areas and away from fields; if possible stay inside early in the morning and evening, when pollen counts tend to go up; and shower before bed to wash pollen from your hair and skin.
4) What medications are available for seasonal allergies? Antihistamines are commonly used to ease sneezing, runny nose and itching eyes. In addition, inhaled nasal cortisone sprays, which were once intended for more severe cases, are now more commonly prescribed. Cortisone nasal sprays are helpful due to their ability to shut down the entire allergic response.
Allergy vaccinations may be used for severe or year-round allergies or when prescription medications stop working.
5) What are some myths about the common cold? Contrary to popular thought, cold, damp weather does not cause colds. The most common way to catch a cold is through airborne exposure to an infected person’s coughing and sneezing or by hand to hand contact. When viruses in the air are inhaled through the nose, or you rub your nose or eyes with your hand covered with virus, there is a chance of catching the cold.
Information Sources: AAAAI - National Allergy Bureau, Dr. Sam Dismond, AAFP Family Phys. of the Year - 1997, Asthma Self Help Book by Paul Hannaway, M.D., Media America Inc: Coping with Allergies and Asthma, National Institutes of Health
Is it a cold or sinus infection? Maybe it’s allergies.
For most of us, the signs are all too familiar. Stuffy nose, congestion, sneezing, and achy head. It’s a cold, right? Or, maybe, it’s a sinus infection (also called sinusitis)
Maybe, maybe not. Cold’s and sinus infections can share common symptoms with allergies. To make it even more confusing, it’s possible to have more than one condition at the same time. And, unless you find the right treatment early on, your condition could get worse or become something more serious.
Allergy Dictionary - Allergy Rhinitis to Prednisone
Allergic Rhinitis: general term used to apply to anyone who has symptoms of nasal congestion, sneezing and a running nose due to allergies. This may or may not be a seasonal problem due to pollens or caused by other allergens such as a house dust, animal dander’s or molds.
Vasomotor Rhinitis: A disorder characterized by hypersensitivity of the nose and nasal passages. It can be associated with nasal polyps, structural abnormalities or medications. Symptoms can be triggered by fumes, temperature, air pressure changes or odors and occur in people with and without allergies.
Pollen: Plant parts released by trees, grasses and weeds that act as allergens or antigens in the body.