Spring is a beautiful time of year – the flowers are blooming, the trees are budding and the grass turns greener by the day. Unfortunately for many residents of Upstate New York, springtime is synonymous with allergies. As the trees, grasses and weeds release pollen into the air, they can trigger a histamine response, producing symptoms similar to the common cold. Learn how to tell the two apart below.
What Time of Year Is It?
While it’s true that you can catch a cold any time of year, you’re more likely to have one during the cold season due to a number of environmental and other factors. If your symptoms start showing up as the weather starts to warm, you’re likely experiencing allergies caused by pollen. You may also have grass allergies, which typically peak in late spring throughout the summer, or ragweed allergies, which occur from late summer into fall.
What Are Your Symptoms?
When you have congestion caused by allergies, you may find it hard to sleep, resulting in a feeling of fatigue. However, fatigue accompanied by a fever and aches is much more indicative of a cold – especially if you also experience a sore throat. On the other hand, if you’re suffering from watery eyes, wheezing, eczema and/or hives, there’s a good chance you’re dealing with seasonal allergies.
How Long Have You Had Symptoms?
Cold symptoms can last anywhere between 7 and 10 days. So if you’ve had symptoms for two weeks or more, allergies are probably to blame. While seasonal allergies typically last for two to three weeks at a time, indoor allergy triggers, like dust mites and animal dander, can cause symptoms all year round.
Talk to Your Doctor
Whether you think you have a cold or allergies, if your symptoms don’t improve with at-home treatments, it’s time to schedule an appointment with your primary care physician. Your doctor will be able to determine if your symptoms are caused by a cold, allergies or something else altogether. To book an appointment at the Carthage Family Health Center, call us today at 315-493-4187.