Both the common cold and seasonal allergies can make you feel miserable! Treatment for the two ailments differs, so it’s important to figure out which is afflicting you prior to trying any remedies to get rid of your symptoms.
This helpful guide features a few key differences and treatment options for colds and allergies alike. By the time you’re done reading, you should know what steps to take to get rid of your illness and be back on the road to good health!
How Do Cold and Allergy Symptoms Differ?
Cold and allergy symptoms can be extremely similar, which is part of the reason people often struggle to tell which issue they are dealing with. No matter what the problem is, for example, you’re likely to experience a runny nose, a scratchy throat, and watery eyes.
If you have a cold, however, the odds are good that you’ll also have muscle aches and a low-grade fever.
You should also pay attention to the color of your mucus (it’s not as gross as it sounds!) Yellow or green nasal discharge usually signals a cold, while liquid indicates non-infectious allergies.
How Do I Get Diagnosed?
Although you can make an educated guess, there’s no way to be 100% certain whether you’re suffering from a cold or allergies unless you visit a doctor. It does bear noting that f you’ve already been to a physician regarding your seasonal allergies in the past, you will probably be well-equipped to recognize them when they flare-up annually.
If you don’t want to consult a physician for one reason or another, the longer your symptoms persist, the less likely it is that you have a cold. The common cold generally lasts from 7 to 14 days whereas allergies can plague people for weeks.
What Are My Treatment Options?
There are a variety of treatment options for both cold and seasonal allergy sufferers.
Since the common cold is caused by a virus, there are no antibiotics to treat it. Most people find that over-the-counter congestion/cough relievers and fever reducers help them feel better.
Allergy sufferers can also benefit from taking over-the-counter medicine, but many ultimately opt to ask their doctors about prescription medications that are specifically designed to keep seasonal allergy symptoms at bay.
Both cold and allergy victims may also want to try certain homeopathic remedies, such as herbal tea infused with honey.
Remember, even though it may not feel like it when you’re in the throes of your illness, both cold and allergy symptoms will eventually pass and you’re sure to be back to doing all of your favorite activities soon! But if you want to alleviate your symptoms sooner than later, consult with a physician at Instant Urgent Care to discuss treatment options.
Seasonal Allergy Treatment at Instant Urgent Care
At Instant Urgent Care, we treat seasonal allergy symptoms such as:
- Watery, itchy, puffy eyes
- Sneezing
- Sinus congestion
- Post-nasal drip
- Coughing
For more information about our seasonal allergy treatment, please call to speak with one of our medical professionals at 408-687-4806.