The Importance Of Severity
The symptoms of a cold are usually mild. You may find that with over the counter medication, you can go about day to day life as usual. You may choose to self-isolate, to reduce the spread of anything that you may be carrying, but your symptoms will usually be mild to moderate.
Allergy symptoms can also be mild and controlled using over the counter medication. But, they may vary in severity, depending on your location and situation. Seasonal allergies, for example, may flare up when the pollen count is high or when you spend an extended amount of time outdoors.
Asthma symptoms, however, can become much more severe without treatment. Theres no cure for asthma, but with inhalers and sometimes tablets, you can lead a healthy, active life. Without treatment, asthma can be debilitating and stop you from enjoying active pursuits.
How To Get Rid Of Pink Eye: Home Cures
While seeking professional treatment for pink eye isnt always necessary, certain times warrant a visit to the doctor. Furthermore, theres just no substitute for getting regular eye examinations, particularly if you or your little one is experiencing atypical or persistent eye issues.
Although treatment will be dependent on the exact cause of the pink eye infection, you can also try the following home remedies to help relieve your childs symptoms:
- Eye Drops Artificial tears, which are nonprescription lubricant drops, are typically utilized for alleviating eye redness, inflammation, and irritation. They can likewise soothe dryness due to chronic pink eye. If your child suffers from chronic pink eye because of allergies, you can apply antihistamine eye drops to ease his or her symptoms.
- Cold and Warm Compresses The American Academy of Ophthalmology states that cold and hot compresses can help soothe discomfort from viral or allergic pink eye. Cold compresses could reduce inflammation and ease itchiness while warm compresses could help get rid of the discharge. Refrain from using the compress on the other eye if only one of your childs eyes has an infection.
What Is An Allergic Reaction
Allergic or hypersensitive reaction is excessive sensitivity exhibited by your immune system to a conventionally harmless substance such as pollen, dust and certain foods. These substances are not dangerous in the majority of the people, but when they trigger allergic reactions, they are called allergens. Allergic reactions occur when the allergens contact the skin, are inhaled, swallowed or injected.
Allergic reactions are quite common and may happen seconds to hours after contact with the allergen. Though many allergic reactions are mild, others may be dangerous or life-threatening. They may be localized, involving a small part of the body or may affect a large area orthe whole body.
One example of such a reaction is the rash associated with certain metal jewellery or footwear, or the application of certain cosmetics. Such rash is called contact dermatitis.
Sometimes people with allergies sneeze uncontrollably on exposure to dust or pollen. This is called allergic rhinitis
An allergic reaction begins with touching, inhaling or swallowing an allergen. In response to this trigger, the body starts making a type of protein called IgE or immunoglobulin E. IgE leads to the release of some chemicals in the body. These chemicals cause the inflammatory symptoms of allergic reactions such as rash, itching and sneezing.
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Do You Have Allergies Or A Cold
A cold is caused by a viral infection. In order to protect you from the virus, your bodys immune system releases white blood cells.
This causes an increase in mucous production and leads to your nose and throat becoming inflamed. You will become tired because your body is using up a lot of energy fighting the virus.
Allergies are different. An allergic reaction is caused by your body mistaking a harmless substance for something dangerous and attacking it. The sneezing and coughing you experience with allergies are caused by your body trying to fight off the allergen.
Colds are contagious and usually last for three to 14 days. They come with a cough, sore throat and a runny nose. Often they are accompanied by aches and fatigue. Itchy, watery eyes and a fever rarely occur.
Allergies are not contagious and can last as long as you are in contact with what you are allergic to. Itchy, watery red eyes and a runny or stuffy nose are common with allergies. Usually, these symptoms are accompanied by a cough, fatigue and a sore throat. The main difference between allergy symptoms and cold symptoms is that allergies never come with aches or a fever.
Other Things Can Cause Conjunctivitis In Dogs:
- Irritation to the dogs eye, usually caused by foreign bodies like grass, smoke, and environmental pollutants, can be problematic. They can cause inflammation and ultimately conjunctivitis .
- An obstructed tear duct can lead to conjunctivitis. Without tear production, some tissues in the eye, particularly those around the eyes globe, get inflamed. When the inflammation spreads to the conjunctiva then the dog will develop conjunctivitis.
- Breed and immune-mediated abnormalities may cause conjunctivitis in dogs. A good example is nodular episcleritis, which triggers conjunctivitis in Collies and Collie crosses. Similarly, dogs that have pemphigus are more prone to conjunctivitis.
- Some parasites like eye worm can cause canine conjunctivitis.
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Best For Treating For Nasal And Sinus Congestion Or Pressure
Allergy medications that are decongestants can come in pill, liquid or nasal spray form. The most common form of decongestant are pills, which many people use to combat seasonal allergies especially. Nasal sprays and eye drops can both stop being effective or make symptoms worse if overused, so it is important to use them sporadically to treat symptoms.
When To See A Doctor
It is not always easy to tell the difference between a cold and an allergy, so its important to know when to see a healthcare provider. If symptoms last for more than 2 weeks or if they are severe, it may be a good idea to see a doctor.
Doctors can identify allergy triggers through serum and skin tests. Once a specific allergen has been identified, an appropriate treatment plan is developed.
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How Does Pink Eye Spread
Two contagious types of conjunctivitis bacterial and viral are spread in multiple and very similar ways. The simplest way to explain the cause of conjunctivitis is through contact with already infected things.
For bacterial conjunctivitis, these things can be characterized as another person with conjunctivitis or a contaminated object that you touch with your hands and then touch your eyes and/or face. Its also possible to expose yourself to conjunctivitis by having the contaminated object in or near your eyes .
Respiratory droplets are another culprit for spreading conjunctivitis because of the bacteria or viruses they may contain. Your eyes have a microbiome, or stable environment, where they utilize their own bacteria to keep things balanced. When a different type of bacteria enters the eye, it can throw off the balance and cause the eye to react with symptoms of conjunctivitis.
Similar to bacterial conjunctivitis, viral conjunctivitis is passed through respiratory droplets and infected objects mainly your fingers or hands being in or near your eyes. Typically, viral conjunctivitis is caused by contaminants commonly found on hands, including eye and respiratory discharge, infectious tears and fecal matter.
The best way to avoid the spread of pink eye is to wash your hands thoroughly and frequently with soap and water. Practicing proper hygiene is critical for the health of your eyes and your overall well-being.
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The Difference In Duration Of Symptoms
Typically, a cold lasts for around seven to 10 days, with the most severe symptoms beginning to improve after a few days. Allergies, however, if left untreated, will cause symptoms for as long as the allergen is present. So, if your cough doesnt start to get better after a week, your symptoms may not be caused by a cold.
Asthma, on the other hand, can come and go quickly. Attacks may come on suddenly and subside quickly. Mild episodes may last for minutes, but more serious attacks can last for days.
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What Triggers Your Symptoms
Your symptoms may vary depending on the time of the year, where you live, and what types of allergies you have. Knowing these factors can help you prepare for your symptoms. Early springtime often affects people with seasonal allergies, but nature blooms at different times of the year. For example:
- Tree pollen is more common in the early spring.
- Grass pollen is more common in late spring and summer.
- Ragweed pollen is more common in the fall.
- Pollen allergies can be worse on hot, dry days when the wind carries the pollen.
But your hay fever symptoms may appear all year round, if youre allergic to indoor allergens. Indoor allergens include:
- dust mites
- cockroaches
- mold and fungal spores
Sometimes symptoms for these allergens can appear seasonally too. Allergies to mold spores tend to be worse during warmer or more humid weather.
Hay fever symptoms can also be made worse by other irritants. This is because hay fever causes inflammation in the lining of the nose and makes your nose more sensitive to irritants in the air.
These irritants include:
When Does Allergy Season 2021 Start
Well, its technically *always* allergy season due to year-round offenders such as dust mites, mold, and pet dander, says Purvi Parikh, MD, an allergist and immunologist with Allergy & Asthma Network. But some allergenspollens, specificallyare seasonal.
Tree pollen, for example, pops up in the spring , grass pollen arrives in the late spring , weed pollen is most prevalent in the summer , and ragweed pollen takes over from summer to fall , says Dr. Parikh.
And, as mentioned, climate change means allergy season begins earlier and lasts longer, adds Corinne Keet, MD, PhD, a professor and allergist at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Specifically, the season has been arriving 20 days earlier than it did in 1990, and contains at least 20 percent more pollen, the New York Times reported.
To get super-specific, Pollen.com has a National Allergy Map that provides an up-to-date allergy forecast in different areas around the country and an Allergy Alert app that gives five-day forecasts with in-depth info on specific allergens, helping you decide if you should stay indoors that day. You should also note that windy, warm, and sunny days can increase levels of pollen turnout, while drizzling or rainy weather is actually associated with no or lower levels of seasonal pollen, explains Clifford W. Bassett, MD, medical director at Allergy and Asthma Care of New York.
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Are Side Effects More Likely After The First Or Second Dose
With the two-shot vaccines, people are more likely to report side effects after their second dose, experts have said.
According to the CDC, side effects after your second shot “may be more intense than the ones you experienced after your first shot.”
“These side effects are normal signs that your body is building protection and should go away within a few days,” the CDC states.
In trials of both the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines, more people experienced side effects after the second dose.
But that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t get your second shot if you get side effects after your first, experts say.
The CDC also noted that both shots are needed.
“The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine and Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine both need 2 shots in order to get the most protection,” the CDC states. “You should get the second shot even if you have side effects after the first shot, unless a vaccination provider or your doctor tells you not to get it.”
How Can I Treat My Allergies
There are many medications you can use:
Steroid nasal sprays can reduce inflammation in your nose.
Antihistamines help stop sneezing, sniffling, and itching.
help relieve stuffiness and dry up the mucus in your nose.
Immunotherapy in the form of allergy shots or oral tablets or drops can also help you feel better.
You can buy some allergy medications without a prescription, but talk to your doctor to make sure you get the right one. nasal sprays, for example, should only be used for 3 days. If you use them longer, you may actually get more congested. And if you have high blood pressure, some allergy drugs may not be right for you.
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Start With Some Home Remedies For Cold And Allergy Symptoms
When you start feeling icky, some simple home remedies can provide temporary relief. For starters, try to get more rest. Both allergies and colds can cause tiredness, so listen to your body and take it easy.
Also, take advantage of saltwater to soothe irritated nasal passages and scratchy or sore throats.
For your nose, use a neti pot. A neti pot can be picked up at any local drugstore or online, and typically comes with packets to mix with warm, distilled water to create a saltwater solution to pour through your nasal passages.
For your throat, simply mix a quarter or half teaspoon of table salt into an 8-ounce glass of warm water. Take a sip and gargle for a few seconds like you would with mouthwash. Then spit and repeat until the solution is gone. You can do this a couple times a day.
Diagnosis Of Allergic Conjunctivitis
When symptoms are mild, a diagnosis of allergic conjunctivitis can often be made without seeing a doctor, and the condition can be treated at home. However, if there is any uncertainty or concern over the eye condition or the symptoms are severe, seeing a doctor is very important.
A doctor will take the personâs medical history and ask whether they have any allergies. They will examine the eyes and assess the signs and symptoms present, taking care to rule out acute viral conjunctivitis, bacterial conjunctivitis, dry eye syndrome and other more serious eye conditions, such as uveitis and keratitis.
In most cases, it will not be necessary to perform any special tests. However, in some cases a doctor will order allergy tests, e.g. skin patch tests, to identify allergens and confirm the diagnosis.
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How Long Does It Take For The Allergy Shots To Start Working
It can take anywhere from three months to over a year for allergy shots to start working.
This is not a quick fix, Dr. Harbour said. Typically we tell clients that this is something we commit to for the long-haul.
In the meantime, your vet might recommend a prescription medication, like Apoquel or Atopica, to manage your dogs symptoms.
Or they might recommend a dog-safe over-the-counter antihistamine which is usually best paired with an omega-3 supplement.
Allergies Do Not Cause Fevers
People often wonder if allergies can cause a fever. The answer is no. Allergies cannot cause a fever, though you could have an allergy flare at the same time youre experiencing a fever from another infection.
With a cold, your temperature can run warmer, but typically it will be less than 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
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When Do Antihistamines Expire
Antihistamines, one of the main types of allergy medicine, can be safe to use after the expiration date.
For over-the-counter medicines like Claritin and Zyrtec, the listed expiration dates are typically around two and a half years after manufacturing. Expiration dates for prescription antihistamines are around one year, according to New Jersey-based pharmacist Kristin Frank.
OTC and prescription tablets are similar in makeup, and therefore can last the same amount of time. But prescriptions, , cannot have longer than one-year expiration dates.
All allergy medicines are regulated by the FDA, which takes a strict, no-leeway stance on expired medicine for utmost safety and effectiveness. But a 2012 study in the JAMA Internal Medicine Journal found that expired medicines, including antihistamines, can remain effective for decades.
The researchers studied the active ingredients in a set of decades-old drugs. Twelve of the 14 medications tested, including the antihistamine, retained full potency for at least 28 years. So why do antihistamines have a one-to-two-year shelf life?
According to Frank, manufacturers suggest expiration dates based on how long the active ingredients can stay potent. Manufacturers submit this research, which factors in storage variables like heat and humidity, when applying for drug approval to the FDA.
Getting Help For Allergies
See a GP if you think you or your child might have had an allergic reaction to something.
The symptoms of an allergic reaction can also be caused by other conditions.
A GP can help determine whether it’s likely you have an allergy.
If they think you might have a mild allergy, they can offer advice and treatment to help manage the condition.
If your allergy is particularly severe or it’s not clear what you’re allergic to, they may refer you to an allergy specialist for testing and advice about treatment.
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How To Alleviate Your Allergy Symptoms
Leeds recommended wearing a brimmed hat and sunglasses to keep pollen out of your eyes and nose. A solid rinse can also work wonders after spending time outside.
Wash your hands and face after being outdoors for long periods of time, and consider changing your clothes, she said.
If you are particularly sensitive, limit your time outdoors on poor air-quality days. Consider washing your eyes and nose with a saline solution. You might also want to swap out your contact lenses for eyeglasses, as pollen can cling onto lenses and irritate the eye. Cleaning your lenses more frequently and opting for daily disposable contacts can also help relieve itchy, watery eyes.
Pollen can get trapped inside your home, so keep your windows shut and car doors closed. Vacuum often to get rid of allergens trapped in your carpet. If you have AC, set it to nonrecirculated air.
AAFA also recommends using a HEPA air filter to purify the air in your house. And pets can be pollen magnets, so giving them a good rub down is a good idea after a springtime walk, Gupta said.
You might also want to hold onto your face mask a bit longer. The masks we use to protect ourselves against the coronavirus act as a barrier against pollen, too. The better the mask, the better the protection.
N95 masks are ideal for this, but standard masks most people are using to protect one another from COVID-19 also work, Mendez said.
