Cold or Allergies: How Do You Know?

Paula Gallagher on
Colds and allergies have some differences in their symptoms.

My neighbor has been struggling with a cough, scratchy throat and runny nose for almost 2 months. She can't figure out if it's a cold or allergies. She is not alone. Fall is a prime time for allergies, but it's also the time when you start to get more colds, thanks to kids bringing back all sorts of germs from school. While colds and allergies share common symptoms, their origin is different.

A cold occurs when a virus enters the body. Symptoms are a reaction to your immune system’s fight against the infection. Meanwhile, allergies are an adverse reaction to a substance caused by an overactive immune system. For some reason, your body mistakes harmless things, such as dust or pollen, for germs and attacks them like they would a virus.

Colds

Signs and symptoms of a cold include:

  • Symptoms appear gradually
  • Colds should not last more than 2 weeks
  • Sore or dry throat
  • Green or yellow nasal discharge
  • Fever, general aches and pains

There are many things you can do for a cold. Drink plenty of fluids, get lots of rest and take a supplement that supports the immune system. Echinacea can strengthen your immune system and studies have shown it is beneficial in helping to prevent colds, or reducing their severity. Choose a preparation backed by research and one made from fresh plant extracts. Vitamin C and zinc are also effective cold busters. Immune System Support is a comprehensive formula containing standardized herbs, including clinically studied echinacea and astragalus, which have a long history of supporting the immune system. It also contains medicinal mushrooms, vitamins and minerals, which all have immune supportive properties.

Allergies

Signs and symptoms of allergies include:

  • Itchiness (eyes, throat, top of mouth, ears)
  • Symptoms appear all at once and will be triggered by an allergen
  • Clear nasal discharge
  • Family history – seasonal allergies are hereditary. It is estimated that as many as 30% of Americans suffer from seasonal allergies.

For many, antihistamines are the go-to for immediate relief, however they may cause drowsiness, and they only focus on symptoms and not on strengthening your immune system. Supplements can help provide relief of symptoms and also help strengthen the immune system. Pathway Allergy Support Plus is a comprehensive formula combining vitamin C, quercetin, nettle leaf extract, bromelain, turmeric, plus many other synergistic nutrients. This formula provides powerful upper respiratory support and is a must for anyone suffering from seasonal allergies.

For more information on lifestyle changes and supplements that may help control allergies, read this informative blog. For more information on this, please contact Village Green Apothecary.

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