Do you tend to suddenly develop cold-like symptoms at the same time every year? This may not be a cold, but instead, seasonal allergies.
Although colds and seasonal allergies share a few similar symptoms, like a stuffy, runny nose, they are also very different. Other similar seasonal allergy and cold symptoms are fatigue/weakness and sneezing.
Differences: Are These Symptoms from Allergies or a Cold?
The Mayo Clinic suggests common colds are caused by viruses, while seasonal allergies are an immune system response from exposure to allergens. These allergens include types of pollen from trees or grass.
Coughing is usually a symptom of the cold virus, but is sometimes a symptom of allergies. General aches and pains as well as a fever are sometimes symptoms of a cold and are not common seasonal allergy symptoms. A sore throat is rarely associated with allergies, but is typically a symptom of a cold.
Treatment
Treatment of the common cold includes rest, pain relievers, and over-the-counter cold remedies such as decongestants. A cold usually lasts three to 10 days, although some may last as long as two or three weeks.
Treatment of seasonal allergies, also called allergic rhinitis, may include allergy medications like oral antihistamines, nasal steroid sprays and decongestants, and avoidance of exposure to allergens when possible. Seasonal allergies may last several weeks.
Tips to Ease Symptoms
Here are a few tips provided by National Jewish Health to help ease your symptoms so that you can better enjoy the spring season.
- If going outside on windy days, cover your mouth with a scarf or an allergen mask.
- Keep home and car windows closed to help keep pollen out. Refrain from using fans inside the home, which can push pollen through the air.
- After being outside, shower and change your clothing.
- When cleaning, make sure the area is well ventilated and use caution with cleaning products.
- Avoid being outside when pesticides and fertilizers are applied to lawns, trees, or shrubs in your neighborhood.
What are Some Allergens Common to Colorado?
According to Mold Testing Colorado, there are three spring allergens people with seasonal allergies will want to avoid in Colorado: plants and tree pollens, grass pollens, and fungus.
Plants and Trees
Trees that may affect hay fever sufferers include: Crack Willow, Gambel Oak, Narrow-Leaf Willow, Purple Willow, and Western Poison-Ivy. Familiarize yourself with these trees so you can prepare for when they are coming into flower. Spring is when these trees flower the most, however some of them like the Box Elder and Ash-Leaf Maple are severe allergens year-round.
It is common to see some plant species flowering through off-seasons, especially during unusual weather conditions. Common flowering weeds found in the region that also create severe allergies are Annual Ragweed, Deer-Root , Four-Wing Saltbush, Great Ragweed, Silverscale, Skeleton-Leaf Burr-Ragweed, Wedge-Leaf Orache, and White Sagebrush.
Grasses
Grasses found in Colorado that produce severe allergens include Bermuda grass, Common Timothy, Orchard Grass, Red Fescue, and Spreading Bent Grass. Although the blossoming period for any specific type may be fairly widespread, the pollination period itself is typically shortened.
Fungus
One of the other common causes of allergies and hay fever in Colorado is mold, which is a fungus. Exposure to mold, even in small amounts, may cause:
- Sinus infections
- Asthma
- Skin rash
- Chronic fatigue
- Respiratory problems
- Headaches
- Nose and throat irritation
If you suffer with seasonal allergies, it might not actually be strictly limited to the effects of pollen, but can be caused by levels of mold that arise with the warmer air. Allergic reactions to mold are common, and can be immediate or delayed. People diagnosed with allergies and asthma may be very sensitive to mold.
Unfortunately, mold is one of the leading causes of hay fever and other illnesses; however it’s one allergen you can get rid of with the help of some professionals.
Get Relief Today!
Stop by Advanced Urgent Care & Occupational Medicine to be evaluated for your cold and seasonal allergy symptoms. With locations across Colorado’s Denver metro area, you can walk-in or reserve your spot online.