Dealing with a runny nose, congestion, coughing, and constant sneezing is not a fun experience. If it’s a cold, then there are ways to help regain your normal health quickly. However, if it’s a result of allergies, then you’ll have to figure what’s causing them in order to deal with them. But how exactly can you tell you are experiencing a cold or allergies?
Common colds don’t last very long and can be caught in a number of different ways. If symptoms persist after more than a few weeks, then you should probably see a doctor. It means that either the virus that caused your cold has grown into something worse.
You could also simply be suffering from allergies. Allergies are caused when you are sensitive to certain substances. The symptoms you are experiencing, such as congestion, coughing, runny nose, and sneezing, are a result of the histamines that your immune system is producing. Histamines are what help fight off the home allergens you are allergic to. There are a number of ways to tell the difference. If you are suffering from aches or fever, then you have a cold, since these are not caused by allergies. Likewise, allergies often cause itchiness, which is not a symptom of a cold.
Remove your Home Allergens
Trying to figure out what is causing your allergies can be trickier. If you notice that your allergies are worsening inside of your home and that your symptoms lessen when you are elsewhere, then there’s a good chance it’s something in your home. Reducing your home allergens can be done by having your home thoroughly cleaned. Don’t forget to have your air duct system cleaned as well. If dust, dirt, or debris build up in your air ducts, they’ll often be released in the air throughout your home, thereby reducing the quality of the air and potentially causing the allergies you are suffering from.
You can take antihistamines to relieve the symptoms of your allergies, but finding out what is causing them and reducing your home allergens is the best way to get rid of your symptoms.
