How To Combat Allergy Symptoms

Achoo! As temperatures rise many people start to experience seasonal allergies and have asthma flair ups.

Coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, tightness in the chest? Spring can be a difficult time for people who have allergies or asthma. Both can make you feel miserable. Understanding the similarities and differences can help you treat them appropriately.

Know the Facts

Asthma

• Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways that makes breathing uncomfortable and difficult.
• Symptoms: Coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness
• Length of time it lasts: Ongoing but manageable

Allergies

• Immune system reacting to a foreign substance (allergen)
• Symptoms: Runny nose, sneezing, itchy nose/eyes, congestion
• Length of time it lasts: AS long as you are exposed to allergen

Cold

• Virtual infection that causes membrane in nose/throat to become inflamed
• Symptoms: Congestion, runny nose, sneezing, weakness/fatigue, nasal discharge (thick and yellow)
• Length of time it lasts: About a week after onset

Sinusitis

• Inflammation of nasal passages occurring from bacterial infections or cold/allergy
• Symptoms: Headache, cough, sinus pressure, colored nasal discharge
• Length of time it lasts: Weeks or months

Seasonal allergy symptoms can often be mistaken as the common cold. Check out the infographic below for symptoms that may occur with allergies, a cold or both.

Here are some easy ways to combat your symptoms: 

• Keep windows and doors closed when the weather gets warm. (This reduces the amount of pollen let into your home.)
• Take a shower before going to bed. (This will remove excess pollen from your body.)
• Check and change A/C filter throughout spring season.
• Consult an ENT or allergist.

For more information about combating allergies, call 800-777-7775 and ask to be referred to an otolaryngologist.