Hi all. I've recently come down with cold-like symptoms - runny nose (sometimes stuffy), sneezing, sore throat, etc. But I'm starting to wonder if maybe I have allergies rather than a cold. This may be a silly question but how can I tell if what I have is a cold or something different. I feel really miserable and would love to find some relief. We live in an old house and I thought (if it is alleriges) maybe getting our air ducts cleaned would help but I don't know.
Hi,
I get really bad allergies. The way I can tell if it's a cold or allergies is if my throat and eyes itch. Throat itches really bad. Also, for me clear drainage in allergies yellowish is a cold. I hope that this helps you, good luck.
Colds and allergies do feel a lot alike. If your mucus is colored ~ yellow or green ~ you have an infection. I use a natural solution for allergies that works great for me. It doesn't dry out my nose or make me sleepy either. Ask me about it if you want!
S.
Easy way to tell is by the 'junk'. If your cough or nose produces green/yellow/brown stuff...infection is likely and an anitbiotic may help you feel better faster. If it is clear...more likely to be allergies. Although, even if it starts clear, it can change so keep an eye on yourself!
~L.
I agree with Karen L. My allergies come with itchy eyes, sometimes an itchy nose, and clear thin mucus coming from my nose. Also, repeated sneezing without much "snot".
Sore throat can come from your sinuses draining overnight, but isn't as common for allergies - more of a cold symptom. Stuffiness that doesn't go away after you are up for a while would also say "cold" to me.
There is a cold going around that lasts 3-4 weeks and the symptoms change throughout that time. It isn't a "classic" cold. So maybe that is what you have.
It seems that allergies are affected by age - they either get better or worse over time, assuming of course that nothing else changes. I have always had allergies and they aren't as bad as when I was a child. My husband never had allergies, has developed them as an adult, and they are getting worse.
Of course, to make things confusing, if my husband doesn't keep his allergies under control, he gets a lot of sinus drainage and can end up with a really bad sore throat and/or sinus infection that requires antibiotics. So if you stay on top of your allergies you may not get some of the more cold-like symptoms that you mentioned.
Good luck!
Hi,
I have had allergies since I was a child. The doctor saw a pattern in the times I was being brought in with a "cold" - same times every year. I have seasonal allergies to the environment, along with dust & molds. The allergy symtoms are very similiar to those of a cold, but with allergies you will have more itchy areas - itchy eyes, itchy throat. If I don't treat my allergy symptoms, then I can easily get a sinus infection - green mucus, lack of energy, extremely sore throat. Use over-the-counter antihistamines to reduce your reaction to the allergies and decogestants to keep the mucus moving. I rely on Sudafed (the old formula that you have to get from the pharmacist is much better than the new formula) and nasal washes (where you flush your sinus with a warm salt water).
Good luck and I hope you feel better.
If you have a cold, your temperature will vary from normal - especially with a sore throat. (at least it does for me.)
As for allergies:
* Clean the ducts, as SO MUCH builds up over time. Not many realize the gunk that sits there (or they just don't want to, as it is pretty nasty!). It is also helpful if you have pets.
* Keep up on your filters in your furnace/ humidifier. (for mold, etc.)
* You could have an issue with your cleaners. I switched to organic / green cleaners. They are more effective, you use less and it made an immediate difference on my sinuses and my son's. Also helped from triggering headaches, as I am sensitive to many cleaners.
* Check out a book on homeopathy. Many remedies can assist you naturally and without side effects. Same can be said for Massage; altho I find when I do reflexology on my son and myself, it really makes a difference (especially when I add certain essential oils to the massage.)! Alternative therapy also increases your immune system if you feel you are getting a cold or have one.
* Verify with your doctor if you have allergies. This can help pinpoint what is triggering you off.
Hope some of this helps. These are the steps I have taken. My hubby is allergic to mold and feels the same effects you mentioned. I suspect my son is also allergic to mold.
Good luck and find some relief! :)
I would say it's allergies.. sounds similar to mine.. mine are triggered by toxic cleaners and also from hand sanitizers among other things..
There are a lot of cold like viruses going around the past couple months. -or- It could be your bodies reaction to a closed up home that increases allergies -or- To the dryer air in the home from having the heat on all the time -or- Higher concentration of toxins from cleaning products, off-gassing from new carpet, furniture, etc, -or- Other things your body might be reacting to.
Whatever it is, our body's immune system is kicked in and stressed to fight germs, exposure, etc.
Sounds like you're busier than busy with your little ones ... and joyfully so...... :-D
Let me know if you'd like more information about building your immune system, helping combat allergic reactions, boosting your energy level. An air purifier also works wonders.
How's your diet? Lots of vegies, green leafy salads with more than just lettuce, and good plant protein or lean animal protein? More carbs and sugars than vegies and protein? Very common in young moms and so easy to do in today's world - grab something quick then off to be mommy ... we always take better care of our kids than ourselves - think it's the definition of "mommy".
Our immune system is built from what it has to work with and what it has to work with is what we feed it and what we expose it to.
See my business link on Mamasource if you'd like more info and how to contact me.
Enjoy Life! ~M.
Together Live Well, LLC
Independent Shaklee Distributor
I have allergies and I couldn't believe the difference cleaning the air ducts made for me! Also, make sure you are using a GOOD filter for your heating system. If you can hold it up and see right through it is not good. The filtrite (I think that's how it's spelled) are what I use. They cost alot more ($10+ compare to the cheap ones for about $2) but it's well worth it. You can get them at wal-mart for less $ and home depot. good luck!
First chance you get, air the house out by opening a couple windows and get a good air flow. Just for a couple hours. See if that makes a difference. Here in Michigan it's difficult to do in winter I know.
I wake up with similar symptoms. If you get some Claritin redi-tabs and it makes a difference, then you can probably guess it's allergies. Dirty air will do that.
If you come down with a little fever, then it's a cold. If it's green when you blow your nose, that says there's a little infection (sinus infection that is). That would indicate a cold.
Hope you feel better soon!
