Contents:
- Medical Video: Dr. Oz Compares the Symptoms of a Cold and Allergies
- The cause of a cold can be a virus, it can also be allergic
- Although almost the same, the symptoms caused are slightly different
- Of course, how to treat it will also be different
- Treating colds due to viruses
- Treating colds due to allergies
Medical Video: Dr. Oz Compares the Symptoms of a Cold and Allergies
Colds are a common thing and can happen to anyone. The main cause of a cold is a viral infection. But did you know if it turns out allergies can also cause colds? Many people often find it difficult to distinguish between colds and viruses (common cold) and allergic colds. Because the two colds have common symptoms that are almost similar to sneezing, runny nose, until the nose is blocked. In fact, there are several things that distinguish these two types of colds. Anything, huh? Check out the following review.
The cause of a cold can be a virus, it can also be allergic
Rhinovirus is the most common cause of colds, although there are actually more than 200 types of viruses that can cause this disease. When the virus that causes a cold goes into the body, of course antibodies will immediately fight. This response then causes symptoms such as coughing and stuffy nose.
So in a matter of days or weeks, your immune system will work to ward off viruses that cause colds and eventually cause symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, and runny nose.
While colds due to allergies have a different story. Colds are caused by the immune system that reacts to certain substances.
When the body is exposed to substances that cause allergies, the body's immune system releases a chemical called histamine. In addition to serving to ward off allergens, actually histamine released also plays a role in causing allergic symptoms.
The things that trigger allergies can come from dust mites, animal hair, pollen that comes from trees, grass, or weeds, and food. You can be said to suffer from a cold due to allergies if the condition of your runny nose doesn't heal, unless you are treated or avoiding the source of the allergen.
Although almost the same, the symptoms caused are slightly different
Colds due to viruses and allergies have almost common symptoms that tend to be difficult to distinguish. In general, both conditions show symptoms of sneezing, runny nose, until the nose is blocked. However, there are differences that you can observe to find out if this cold is caused by a virus or an allergy.
1. Time of the onset of a cold
Viruses that cause colds will usually tend to develop and grow more during the rainy season. This cold also takes several days to develop after being exposed to the virus.
While colds caused by allergic symptoms occur after the body is exposed to substances that cause allergies to cause symptoms such as sneezing, nasal congestion, and in some cases, the eyes feel itchy.
2. The duration of the cold
Colds due to viruses generally last for 3 to 14 days. While colds due to allergies will last longer even for weeks. This depends on your contact with allergens.
3. Color of nasal fluid
When you runny nose due to a virus, the mucus that comes out of the nose can generally be green or yellow. Another thing with allergies is that the mucus is colorless or clear.
4. Body fever
Usually, when you are infected with a virus that causes a cold, symptoms of fever and body aches will appear. But not in allergic colds that do not cause such symptoms.
5. Itching of the eyes and nose
Viral infections that cause colds rarely or even won't cause itchy nose and runny eyes. If you experience it during a cold, you may experience an allergic runny nose that has such signs.
Of course, how to treat it will also be different
Treating colds due to viruses
In cases caused by viral infections, the use of antibiotics is not recommended for treating colds. Because, antibiotics are given if a cold is caused by bacteria.
But to reduce symptoms, you can take drugs such as cough, decongestant, paracetamol (acetaminophen) and ibuprofen syrup. Consumption of these drugs must still be accompanied by drinking lots of water to prevent dehydration.
Make sure you ask your doctor before taking cold medicines because of a virus, especially if you have health problems. Consumption of this drug is not recommended for long-term use because it can cause other side effects.
In addition, you can do self-medication such as drinking lots of water, juice or herbal tea; use humudifier; and using natural-based medicines containing zinc, vitamin D, and vitamin C.
Treating colds due to allergies
While the treatment if a cold is caused by allergies is to use antihistamines (allegra, benadryl, and zyrtec). How it works by blocking the reaction of histamine to allergens (allergens) so that it can reduce the symptoms of colds due to allergies.
If the case of an allergy is severe enough, the doctor can prescribe a decongestant to help relieve a blocked nose due to allergy symptoms.
