So you’re sniffing and sneezing, stuffy and miserable. Is it a cold or allergy? Turns out it’s not an easy answer. “Symptoms tend to be very similar. Allergies can mimic cold-like symptoms,” says Dr. Elvin Mendez.
Dr. Elvin Mendez is an allergist with Lee Memorial Health System. He finds it gets complicated when symptoms get more complicated.
“So let’s just say for argument’s sake that you develop symptoms early on of a runny nose and congestion. It may be a cold early on. Then you develop a headache, now what are we dealing with? Is this part of the viral infection or is this a complication of your allergies? Says Dr. Mendez.
Despite sharing common symptoms, a cold and allergies are separate issues. Some general rules of thumb are: A cold may come with aches and fever. Allergies do not. Allergies can include itchy eyes. A cold does not. A cold should clear up in a week to 10 days. Allergies can be persistent. Distinguishing what you have helps you get relief.
“We always recommend that you leave it to the experts to decide for you. If you find yourself with use of medications over long periods of time where your symptoms are not clearing, you should be making that phone call,” says Dr. Mendez.
Cold or allergy: Getting the right treatment helps you feel better while the issue resolves. And lowers the risk of excess fluid leading to an infection.
View More Health Matters video segments at leememorial.org/healthmatters/
Lee Memorial Health System in Fort Myers, FL is the largest network of medical care facilities in Southwest Florida and is highly respected for its expertise, innovation and quality of care. For nearly a century, we’ve been providing our community with everything from primary care treatment to highly specialized care services and robotic assisted surgeries.
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