Pop Quiz: Is It a Cold or Allergies?
It’s that time of year again! Soon children will be sharing pencils, paper, and plenty of germs! With school almost back in session, you’ll soon be asking: Is it a cold or is it allergies? At first look, you may think seasonal allergies and frequent colds are indistinguishable. Congestion, sneezing and runny noses are symptoms of each. A post-nasal drip may also mirror cold symptoms with an irritated throat and cough. However, the duration of symptoms and their frequency will help narrow the window. The Riesberg Institute is here to help you debunk any uncertainties and know once and for all the culprits of each.
Now it’s time for a pop-quiz! Do you know the difference?
True or False: Cold Symptoms Last Longer Than Allergy Symptoms.
False! Cold symptoms can last three to fourteen days, but allergy symptoms last much longer! Achy muscles and fever are clear signs of a cold. With irritability, stuffy ears and facial pain being surprising but real symptoms of allergies. Allergies can appear as early as 4 to 6 years of age and are the common cause of sniffling and itchy eyes. A child with one parent suffering from allergies has a 1-in-3 chance of developing, while a child with two allergy-suffering parents has a 7-in-10 chance. With seasonal allergies, the changing of seasons can trigger an outburst. What triggers a reaction?
Allergens, such as pollen or mold spurs, release particles into the air. The immune systems of seasonal allergy sufferers target these invaders by releasing chemicals, including histamine, into the bloodstream to attack. The release of these chemicals may lead to congestion, sneezing, itchy watery eyes, and runny noses – typical symptoms associated with allergies.
With grass pollen wrapping up, and weed pollen and mold spurs on the rise in the Pensacola area, even those who have never experienced seasonal allergies may suffer.
True or False: The Color of Nasal Discharge Offers Clues.
True! A clear distinguisher of a cold or allergies is a discoloration of mucus. Allergy sufferers commonly experience translucent nasal discharge, while cold sufferers will have a green or yellowish mucus. However, Some allergy sufferers are also prone to developing sinus infections from the persistent congestion.
Request Riesberg if YOU or Your Child Suffer From Allergies or Sinus!
At Riesberg Institute we understand that allergy symptoms can drain your energy and be irritating. Let our dedicated team assist you in distinguishing the cause of your bothersome symptoms. Allergy testing will identify the specific allergens causing your discomfort. Receiving your targeted allergy treatment at Riesberg Institute will lead to long-term relief of allergy symptoms.
Do allergy and chronic sinus issues wreak havoc in your household? The Riesberg Institute has you covered there as well. Our chronic sinus patients tell us daily how their sinus headaches, facial pressure, and lack of energy negatively impacts other family members. With multiple advanced treatments of recovery offered at the Riesberg Institute, it is our promise to patients to deliver peace of mind and quality education on processes and procedures. The Riesberg Institute provides convenient office sinus treatments, with Balloon Sinusplasty being the champion of relief for those suffering from chronic sinus pain.
Get on track to relief – set an appointment with the Riesberg Institute today!