Fall Allergies or a Cold? How to Tell the Difference

The spring season is typically associated with allergies, but the fall can also pack quite the punch. Millions of Americans are feeling crummy these days. How do you know if what you are dealing with is run-of-the-mill fall allergies, the common cold, or something more serious? Here are a few things to keep in mind during this sniffly and sneezy time of the year.

Fall Allergies Symptoms and Treatments

This is the time of the year when it can be hard to distinguish between fall allergies and the start of cold and flu season. Some people simply start to feel stuffy due to the dramatic temperature swings that mark this time of the year. The constant shift from the heat to the cold temperatures can also aggravate existing symptoms.

The real double-whammy happens when you happen to catch a cold on top of the everyday allergies. Multiple illnesses combining can put a serious strain on the respiratory system, making it difficult to breathe.

Most fall allergies are triggered by pollen or mold. The body's immune system senses the allergen, eliciting the reaction. Some of the most common fall allergy symptoms include a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, postnasal drip, itchy or watery eyes, sore throat, and a mild cough.

The best way to treat fall allergies is to limit outdoor exposure, particularly during times when pollen levels are high. Over-the-counter and prescription antihistamines are also highly effective in some cases.