Distinguishing Allergy Symptoms From A Common Cold

Filed Under Sinus Allergy, Asthma Relief

It is important to distinguish allergy symptoms, asthma, sinus infections and a cold properly. A misdiagnosis can mean getting the wrong treatment and prolonged suffering.

When you first experience the symptoms of allergies, asthma, or a sinus infection, you may think that you are suffering from a cold because they can present with nasal congestion, cough, head and body aches, watering eyes, and fatigue. For a cold, the remedy may be chicken soup, rest, and cold remedies or medications. However, if you are really having allergies and asthma, you may not see an improvement.

This has been my personal experience. I often find myself having sinusitus and thought that I was having a cold. However, my cold never really went away. Now I realize that it may be allergies that I have been having all these years instead of allergies.

If you too are experiencing ongoing symptoms, then you ought to find out the subtle differences between allergies, asthma, and sinus infections.

Allergies are caused from a problem with the immune system. An allergic reaction is caused when the immune system responds to an irritant such as pollen, mold, dust mites, specific foods, or other material that triggers a person’s allergic reaction. You can find out the cause of your problems with allergy tests so that you can reduce irritants or avoid them altogether. You can determine food allergies on your own with an elimination diet.

Asthma is a respiratory condition that results in coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and an inability to get enough oxygen into your system. Asthma causes bronchial passages to become inflamed and narrow. Mucus is produced and cause further problems. Bronchial spasms can also be present. Asthma must be treated as it can be a life threatening condition. It is very important to take treatment of asthma very seriously.

Sinus infections, or sinusitis, are infections of the sinus passages resulting in inflammation and mucus production. Sinusitis not only causes pain in your head, cheeks, and nose; but it will result in fatigue. Do not treat with over the counter medications, unless you know what you are doing, since some of such medications can be counterproductive. One of the natural ways treat sinusitis is to use a saline nasal spray to flush the sinuses two or three times a day. You can make your own spray at home by dissolving ½ teaspoon of salt in ½ cup of water. This natural remedy cleanses the area, giving your own immune system an opportunity to heal the infected area. If the problem persists, then see a doctor.