In many parts of the country, spring also means the beginning of allergy season. When spring arrives, so too does pollen, a powdery substance made by trees, weeds, and grasses. Pollen also causes allergies.
Pollen is normally harmless. However, with seasonal allergies, the body mistakes pollen for a dangerous substance and tries to attack it when it comes into contact with pollen particles. This reaction causes symptoms such as coughing, a runny nose, and itchy, watery eyes.
In many cases, seasonal allergies can be confused with a common cold. It is not always easy to tell the difference. The following information provides an overview of determining whether you have a cold or seasonal allergies.
What are seasonal allergies?
Seasonal allergies are sometimes called “hay fever” or seasonal allergic rhinitis. As mentioned above, the symptoms tend to occur during certain times of the year (between February and early summer) when trees, grasses, and weeds release pollen into the air.
What are the symptoms of seasonal allergies?
Seasonal allergies cause a cluster of allergic symptoms that includes one or more of the following:
- Sneezing and coughing
- Runny eyes
- Watery and itchy nose
- Congestion
- Post nasal drip (drainage in the throat)
The severity of your symptoms will depend on some factors, such as the strength of your body’s reaction to pollen.
How to tell the difference between seasonal allergies and a common cold?
The following are a few ways to help differentiate between seasonal allergies and a cold:
- Seasonal allergies usually last longer than a week or two, while colds tend to resolve much faster.
- Seasonal allergies have a recurring cycle. It might be seasonal allergies if you notice that you suffer from a runny nose and cough around the same time every year.
How to treat seasonal allergies
If your allergies are mild, some steps can be taken to minimize the impact of symptoms. This includes:
- Stay indoors on dry, windy days to avoid exposure to allergens (things that trigger your symptoms). This increases the amount of pollen in the air.
- Avoid activities such as lawn mowing and other gardening chores.
- Keep indoor air clean by using an air filter.
- Over-the-counter medications, such as antihistamines and decongestants, may provide relief.
When to see your doctor
If you are still unsure about whether you have seasonal allergies, you can make an appointment to see your doctor for a formal diagnosis. They can carry out an allergy test to help pinpoint what your specific allergies are.
When are allergies a medical emergency?
Occasionally, seasonal allergies do not require an immediate trip to the emergency department. However, if you are experiencing one or more of the following, then urgent help should be sought right away:
- Difficulty breathing
- Swollen tongue
- Rash or hives that may spread throughout the body
- Feeling light-headed or dizzy
Seasonal allergies are a common condition that many adults and children experience. If you are unsure about your allergy status or need help determining if your symptoms are seasonal, speak to your doctor.
