Use Caution With Medications
If you find that side effects from meds are too much to bear, you may be overusing them. First-generation antihistamines may make you drowsy because histamines are neurotransmitters that act on the brain to keep you awake. Dr. Ward recognizes that some patients overuse these medications, which can backfire. Be sure to follow the label directions.
What Causes Allergies During The Winter
“You don’t have pollens in winter,” says Douglas H. Jones, MD, of the Rocky Mountain Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Group in Layton, Utah. So outdoor winter allergies arent such a cause for concern. “But you still have the indoor . And if youre spending more time indoors during cold weather, you might notice an increase in allergy symptoms, such as sneezing, wheezing, and itchy, watery eyes. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, common indoor allergens include:
- Dander Its the dander , not the hair of household pets such as cats and dogs, that can cause acute or chronic allergic reactions in people.
- Dust Mites These microscopic bugs might be the most common cause of year-round indoor allergies, notes the Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America. Dust mites thrive in bedding, carpeting, and the upholstered furniture inside your home.
- Indoor Mold We all breathe in mold spores, but for those with an allergy, exposure can trigger sneezing, congestion, and itchiness. Mold and mildew favor damp areas, like basements and bathrooms.
- Cockroach Droppings These persistent pests can live anywhere, and while theyre not a sign of an unhygienic or unsanitary household, its important to keep food well-contained and be vigilant about cleaning up crumbs. Fixing leaky faucets and pipes and sealing up cracks and crevices in your home can help keep cockroaches away.
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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What Is A Sinus Infection
Sinus infection is a common upper respiratory tract. This disease is usually caused by bacterial infection after a respiratory viral infection. If acute sinus infection is not properly treated or the cause of this disease has not been resolved, the disease may recur and develop into chronic. Sinus is a pore filled with air. Sinuses include holes in the skull. They are connected to the nasal airway by a hole in the bone . Usually, all the sinuses are open so that the airway passes through the nose through a nose. Human beings have these four pairs of sinuses called:
- Sinus in the forehead
- Sinus in the middle of the eye
- Sinus in the back of the eye socket
Sinus infection is an infection and inflammation of one or more sinuses due to congested sinus. Sinus infection occurs suddenly and lasts only a short time acute sinusitis. In another case, this disease can last for more than 3 months and is repeatedly called chronic sinus infection.
What Are Common Causes Of Sinus Infections?
Here are common causes of this disease:
- Bacteria
Bacteria can cause acute and chronic sinusitis. You may do not know that bacteria in the nose and throat are harmless. But when you get the flu, the flu virus causes the nasal membranes to swell, causing reactions like sneezing and runny nose. This causes sinuses which enter the nose is blocked, so that the bacteria easily enter the sinuses and develop in the mucus layer, causing sinus infection.
If Antihistamines Work Its Probably An Allergy
For children over age 1 year, you can use an antihistamine to help determine whether they have colds or allergies. Try a non-sedating antihistamine. If your child gets no relief within the next day or two, its probably a cold virus, explains Dr. Lee. However, if symptoms clear up quickly with the antihistamine, your child probably suffers from seasonal allergy symptoms.
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Top 18 Tips On How To Prevent Sinus Infection After Cold And From Allergies
1. Steam
Steaming is the first home remedy in this list of tips on how to prevent sinus infection after cold. Steaming has long been known to be an effective treatment for sinus infection. This measure is very popular in Asian countries. You can also try it because it is very simple and useful. To do this, please follow these steps below:
- Pour water into a 950 ml pot
- Boil water for 1-2 minutes until the water evaporates fiercely
- Turn off the stove and put the pot on the table, on the heat-resistant base
- Place a clean cotton towel over your head, close your eyes and bend down to let your face be exposed to steam
- Breathe deep into your nostrils and exhale through your mouth for five times
- Then, reduce the rhythm of breathing to 2 times
You can make this tip in about 10 minutes or longer . Try blowing your nose in and after steaming. You can steam after every 2 hours or more if you want. When being outdoors or at work, you can steam by taking hot steam from a cup of tea or hot soup. You can add herbs or essential oils to the water to steam. Mint, thyme, sage, oregano, lavender, tea tree oil and lavender essential oil all have antimicrobial, antifungal or antiseptic properties.
Note: Keep your baby away from boiling water when you’re steaming. You can do this tip in areas where there are no children.
2. Have A Warm Bath
3. Wash Your Nose
4. Use A Neti
5. Use A Humidifier
6. Drink Enough Water
7. Eat Spicy Foods
8. Massage
9. Do Exercise
10. Raise Your Head Up
Yes You Really Can Be Allergic To Cold Weather
University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children’s
Dislike of frigid temperatures may have some of us declaring that we are allergic to the cold. But for some people, an allergy to the cold is real.
The allergy is called cold urticaria, and those who have it experience itchy hives, redness and swelling when their skin is warmed after being exposed to cold temperatures below 39 degrees, says pediatric allergy and immunology specialist Eli Silver, MD.
The exposure to cold sets them up to develop hives, Dr. Silver says. The hives begin when the skin is warmed.
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What Is Allergic Rhinitis
Allergic rhinitis is an inflammation of the nose, irritation caused by allergies to subjective and objective factors such as polluted environment, continuous exposure to dust, feathers, silk, changing weather, low temperature, or due to some respiratory diseases related to ENT, besides genetic factors are also factors that make rhinitis appear.
Although it is not life-threatening, allergic rhinitis causes significant discomfort for long periods of time.
How To Reduce Facial Swelling After Sleep
Waking up to a puffy face or lips is quite common for many people.
This can be the result of too much salt in your diet the night before, too much alcohol, dehydration, allergies, mold, dust, pollen, hormone changes, the way your face sleeps on the pillow, and good ole stress can increase inflammation which causes swelling, explains Nesheiwat.
To reduce morning facial swelling, consider trying one of Nesheiwats tips:
- Upon waking, wash your face with cool water to reduce swelling.
- Avoid salty foods and processed foods before you go to bed .
- Dont sleep with your makeup on because inflammation of the skin contributes to the facial swelling you see in the morning.
- Stay hydrated. Make sure youre drinking plenty of water all day long.
- Avoid excess alcohol.
- Dont sleep on your belly.
- Use cold cucumbers on the areas that are swollen. Cucumbers contain antioxidants, which help to soothe puffy eyes.
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How Can I Prevent Colds And Allergies
To avoid catching a virus and spreading colds:
- Wash your hands frequently or use hand sanitizer.
- Cover your coughs and sneezes.
- Keep your hands away from your eyes, nose, and mouth, which are the areas of your body most vulnerable to germs.
To avoid seasonal allergies:
- Try to limit your contact with the allergens you react to.
- If your allergies bother you a lot, immunotherapy may help reduce or even completely prevent irritating symptoms.
What Are My Treatment Options For Colds
Unfortunately, there is no cure for a cold virus once youve been infected. The good news is that there are many over-the-counter medications and products that can treat your symptoms. If extra rest, drinking hot fluids, nasal irrigation, and saline gargles and washes are not enough to manage your cold symptoms, you could benefit from:
Always read the Drug Facts label on all types of medications before you take them. Its possible that some active ingredients may be in more than one medicine. Also, please note that young children should not be given certain cough and cold medicines check with your pediatrician before giving any medicine to young children and babies.
Its important to work closely with your doctor to determine the best allergy management strategy, depending on your living and work environment and unique sensitivities. With careful diagnosis and treatment, most people can find a way to manage their allergies successfully. Dont lose heart if youre struggling with allergy symptoms a physician can help you develop a plan to improve your situation. And if you have a cold instead of allergies be encouraged that most cold viruses fully resolve in a week or two, and that rest, fluids, or OTC medications can help you manage your symptoms more comfortably.
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Tips To Avoid Allergy Symptoms
You can take precautions against allergy symptoms by following a few simple guidelines:
- Since the pollen count peaks in the late morning and early afternoon , keep your child indoors at this time.
- Keep the windows of your house and car closed to minimize your childs exposure to allergens , check pollen counts, and dont let your child outside when people are mowing their lawns.
- Allergy testing might also help if you arent sure what is triggering your childs allergy symptoms. If the test reveals an allergy to ragweed, then you wont be surprised when they begin getting allergy symptoms when the ragweed counts are high.
If your child has allergy symptoms, there are many prescription and over-the-counter medications available that can help. OTC options include antihistamine nasal sprays or pills . Contact your childs doctor to determine the best medication to treat their symptoms.
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Top 9 Natural Allergy Relief Home Remedies
According to the Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America, one in five people, or an estimated 50 million Americans, suffer from some type of allergies. The chances are high that you or someone you know deals with ongoing allergies, whether seasonal allergies, food allergies or another type, and could use allergy relief at least from time to time.
Most people who struggle to find allergy relief go to the doctor to be treated and/or are routinely given pharmaceuticals ranging from acetaminophens to antihistamines, both of which may actually further aggravate the symptoms they were given for. If you prefer not to take prescriptions to keep your symptoms under a control, what can help allergies at home?
Home remedies for allergies including symptoms like congested sinuses, headaches, and watery or itchy eyes include using frankincense essential oil, eucalyptus oil and quercetin. Below youll learn about nine amazing, all-natural home remedies for allergies that can help provide fast allergy relief.
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Allergies Vs Colds: Learn The Differences And Ways To Prevent Both
Learn How an Air Purifier Can Protect You From Allergies and Colds
12 min read
Allergies and colds can strike at any time, affecting both your home and work life. They can keep you from focusing during a work meeting, doing chores in the yard, or spending time with your family.
Knowing the difference between allergies and colds can better help you navigate your daily life and keep you and your family safe, healthy, and active.
Allergies and colds have different triggers, and knowing the causes and symptoms can help you pick the right air purifier to remove allergens and germs from your home.
How You Can Tell The Difference Between Cold And Seasonal Allergy Symptoms
With both allergies and colds, its typical to have congestion or a runny nose, and to sneeze often. You may also feel tired and drowsy. But there are several other symptoms that dont often overlap between allergies and a cold. Here are some of the telltale differences between cold symptoms and allergy symptoms.
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What Are The Different Types Of Medications For Headaches Body Aches Fever And Flu
Medications that reduce pain and fever are used to relieve headaches, body aches, and fever. The three classes of analgesics/antipyretics that are available OTC are aspirin, acetaminophen, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs .
Some OTC products contain an analgesic/antipyretic as a single ingredient. Others combine an analgesic/antipyretic with a nasal , an antihistamine, or a cough suppressant. Products listed in the headaches, body aches, fever, and flu-like symptoms category contain an analgesic/antipyretic either alone or in combination with other ingredient to treat cold/flu/allergy symptoms. Examples of products in the headaches, body aches, fever, and flu-like symptoms category include the following. Note that the products described in this article refer to brand name preparations. Less expensive, generic, over-the-counter medications are available that contain the same active ingredients as many if not all of these products.
What Are Colds And Allergies
They have different causes. You get a cold when a tiny living thing called a virus gets into your body. There are hundreds of different types that can get you sick.
Once a cold virus gets inside you, your immune system, the body’s defense against germs, launches a counter-attack. It’s this response that brings on the classic symptoms like a cough or stuffed up nose.
The viruses that cause colds are contagious. You can pick them up when someone who’s infected sneezes, coughs, or shakes hands with you. After a couple of weeks, at the most, your immune system fights off the illness and you should stop having symptoms.
It’s a different story with allergies. They’re caused by an overactive immune system. For some reason, your body mistakes harmless things, such as dust or pollen, for germs and mounts an attack on them.
When that happens, your body releases chemicals such as histamine, just as it does when fighting a cold. This can cause a swelling in the passageways of your nose, and you’ll start sneezing and coughing.
Unlike colds, allergies aren’t contagious, though some people may inherit a tendency to get them.
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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.
Allergies Follow A Pattern And Symptoms Tend To Stick Around Longer
If you have allergies, your symptoms will flare up at certain times throughout the year when the allergens youre sensitive to are present. For example, if you have a tree pollen allergy, your symptoms will first appear in the early spring.
This also means that your symptoms can last for several weeks until that particular allergy season has ended. To put that into perspective, colds usually only last about a week.
Cold viruses are present all year, so you can catch one at any time. However, the winter cold season is when getting sick is more likely.
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How To Treat Cold Sore Pain
DIY remedies arent likely to make a cold sore disappear anyfaster. But there are things you can do to ease the pain while youre waitingimpatiently for it to heal.
Meanwhile, you dont want to inflict these sores on others. Skip the make-out sessions until youve healed and wash your hands often.
While cold sores are annoying in adults, the virus can be life-threatening in a baby, so take care to steer clear, Dr. Beers advises: As much as you might want to see your niece or nephew or grandbaby, please dont shower them with kisses if you have an active cold sore.
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