{"id":2870,"date":"2021-01-28T17:39:00","date_gmt":"2021-01-28T23:39:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/collincountyent.com\/?p=2870"},"modified":"2024-04-12T11:25:03","modified_gmt":"2024-04-12T16:25:03","slug":"do-i-have-a-cold-or-is-it-allergies","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/collincountyent.com\/do-i-have-a-cold-or-is-it-allergies\/","title":{"rendered":"Do I Have a Cold, or is it Allergies?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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The symptoms of a head cold and allergies can be quite similar \u2013 so how can you tell the difference between the two? It\u2019s easy to get confused about these health conditions. Both colds and allergies cause nasal congestion, a sniffly nose, post-nasal drip, and stuffiness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But just because the symptoms are similar, doesn\u2019t mean that the treatment is the same. Before you jump to conclusions about the cause of your health concerns, it is important to learn more about the nuances of allergies and head colds.<\/p>\n\n\n

Head Cold vs. Allergies<\/h2>\n\n\n

If you have a cold, then it means that your body is fighting an infection caused by a virus. Symptoms such as a SORE THROAT, runny nose, coughing, and fever are all manifestations of the body\u2019s attempt to eliminate the pathogens within the body. Typically, symptoms do not last beyond one week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the other hand, allergies are the response that occurs when the immune system overreacts to an environmental substance<\/a> that is causing irritation, typically lasting weeks to months to year-round. SNEEZING and ITCHY NOSE along with COPIOUS CLEAR DRAINAGE tend to predominate. Sore throat is typically NOT present, and fever is not an issue. Common allergens include pet dander or pollen. Some people have seasonal allergies, which pop up during certain times of the year. Or, these allergy symptoms can stick around all year long when the person is exposed to specific allergy triggers that aren\u2019t related to the changing seasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most adults experience a head cold\u00a0two or three\u00a0times<\/a> a year, depending on their overall health and environmental exposure. At the same time, allergies are quite common \u2013 affecting around\u00a050 million Americans<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These two health conditions are similar, but they vary in the causes, duration, and symptoms. If you want to identify the best treatment, then it is important that you talk to a doctor for a diagnosis. This information will help in identifying a treatment plan that addresses the root cause.<\/p>\n\n\n

You Likely Have Allergies If\u2026<\/h3>\n\n\n

Here are a few signs that your symptoms are the result of\u00a0allergies:<\/p>\n\n\n\n