Allergy season arrived early this year and will be worse than ever due to the dreaded Pollen Bombs! Pollen bombs occur when trees release millions of grains of pollen in a short time. Your eyes, nose, and throat are instantly irritated, producing seasonal allergies that make you miserable. Fun activities like walking through the neighborhood, playing tennis, golf, pickleball, or gardening with allergies can be a nightmare. Read below to determine whether you have allergies or a cold. We also have tips to help alleviate allergy symptoms outside and at home.
Is it Allergies or A Cold?
Allergies occur when your body’s immune system reacts to pollen, animal dander, or certain foods. Your body produces antibodies to fight allergies, and as your immune system reacts, it can cause inflammation of your sinuses, skin, airways, or digestive system.
For both allergies and colds, it’s common to have congestion, sneezing, a runny nose, a sore throat, headaches, or sinus pain. Following are several differences:
- Allergy symptoms occur as soon as you are exposed to an allergen.
- Colds usually come on slowly and worsen over a couple of days.
- Allergies cause itching in your eyes, nose, and throat.
- Colds rarely cause itching.
- Allergies do not cause body aches or a fever.
- Colds can bring on both a fever and body aches.
- Allergies can affect you for days, weeks, and possibly months.
- Colds usually clear up in a week or two.
Prepare a Plan to Treat Pollen Allergies:
- Check the weather and follow local pollen count reports.
- Don’t schedule outdoor activities before 10 a.m. when pollen levels are highest.
- Avoid areas with freshly cut grass.
- Wear a mask in outdoor areas with trees.
- Close windows and use air conditioning.
- Vacuum and dust regularly.
- Wash bedding weekly and use hypoallergenic sheets and towels.
- Take a shower before bed to wash away pollen.
- Try nasal irrigation.
- Drink lots of fluids.
- Try over-the-counter allergy remedies.
- Use an air purifier.
- Replace filters regularly and use HEPA filters.
- Remember to see your doctor if symptoms persist or worsen.