Allergies or cold: Symptoms that distinguish conditions
Illustrative photo (Freepik)
Recently, a significant number of patients have been complaining of runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes, nasal congestion, throat itching, and other symptoms. The cause of such a condition could be either a common cold (acute respiratory viral infection, ARVI) or seasonal allergies, according to the medical community Zdorovishi razom (Healthier together).
Cold symptoms
The main defining feature of a cold is that, with or without treatment, a person usually recovers within 7-10 days.
Characteristics of a cold include:
- Fever
- Feeling of pressure or pain in the facial area
- Body aches
It's important to note that if symptoms persist throughout the year or clearly occur during a specific season, it may be allergies.
A common cold usually begins gradually. You may feel weak or have a low-grade fever for several days.
Flu symptoms develop suddenly, almost instantly, with a high fever, eye pain, muscle aches, or chills. Typically, you can clearly identify when the illness started.
Allergy symptoms
Associated symptoms of allergic rhinitis include:
- Dermatitis
- Conjunctivitis
- Bronchial asthma
- Hives
- Swelling
If you have runny nose, consulting a doctor for treatment is advisable. Self-medication can do more harm than good.
Allergies are not transmitted from one person to another through viruses but arise due to the body's reaction to plant pollen, animal hair, household chemicals, or food products. People with a genetic predisposition to allergies are at risk.
Common allergens also include household dust, mold spores, pet dander, etc.
Additionally, various viruses are the causative agents of infectious processes, numbering more than 200 types. They are easily transmitted through dirty hands as well as through airborne droplets, primarily affecting the mucous membranes of the respiratory organs.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
