Neither flu nor cold: signs in your eyes and nose that show you really have allergies

More than eight million Spaniards are allergic to pollen.Experts explain how to differentiate between allergy, flu and cold symptoms so that you can get the right treatment from day one.

It's not the flu, it's not the flu: eye and nose symptoms may indicate that you really have allergies.

More than eight million Spaniards are allergic to pollen.Experts explain how to differentiate allergy, flu and cold symptoms to implement the right treatment from day one.

We are approaching spring and like every year thousands of people ask themselves the same question when they start sneezing, nasal congestion or fatigue: do I have a cold or is it allergies?The disorder is very common.Flu, colds and respiratory allergies share many symptoms, which makes it difficult to tell them apart in the first few days.However, the causes and treatment are completely different.

The problem is not trivial.In Spain, more than eight million people (about 15-30% of the population) are allergic to some kind of dust, according to statistics managed by the Ministry of Health, and experts warn that this number will continue in the coming years.

Knowing how to recognize physical symptoms allows you to act quickly, relieve symptoms and avoid complications.

The Scientific Differences Between Colds, Flu, and Other Diseases

From a medical point of view, the key is the origin of the problem. "Upper respiratory infections like flu or colds have an infectious origin, usually viruses. But allergies are caused by our immune system's response to certain allergens, such as pollen, germs or dust," explains Dr. Susan Rodriguez de Cos.

"It is important to distinguish the symptoms well in order to show whether we are dealing with an allergy or a respiratory infection, and to be able to apply the most appropriate treatment," warn primary care doctors.

Although they look similar, there are some symptoms that help distinguish the flu or cold from allergies.Common allergy symptoms are: runny nose, itchy eyes, or throat;Frequent tearing;frequent nasal infections;light colored voice;and absence of fever.One of the most obvious signs is itching.possibility

On the other hand, the most common symptoms of flu are: high fever, severe muscle pain, severe fatigue, headache and severe cough.To distinguish it, we must consider that influenza usually appears suddenly and with a feeling of general discomfort.

On the other hand, what usually indicates a flu is that it does not catch and is characterized by: nasal congestion, sore throat, mild cough, sneezing and mild fatigue.It usually fluctuates continuously and disappears within a few days.

"Certain symptoms, such as fever or mucus type, give us very important clues to rule out allergies. Another major factor that varies is the duration of symptoms. Upper respiratory tract infections usually don't last more than one to two weeks, but in the case of allergies, they appear throughout the person's exposure to the allergen," Rodez said.

For example, during the pollination season of plants.This explains why some people feel sick for weeks or even months every year.

What to do if you have a fever or flu?

In the case of a viral infection, experts recommend treating the symptoms from the beginning.Pharmacist Joaquin Lopez warns: "It is better to treat the symptoms from the moment they appear, to prevent them from becoming more serious symptoms, and to reduce the impact on our quality of life."

And he adds that "multitisymptomatic treatments, also known as anti-influenza treatments, allow the treatment of different symptoms thanks to a specific combination of active ingredients, such as paracetamol, for fever and pain, dextromethorphan for cough, antihistamines for sneezing and vitamin C, with antioxidant activity".

However, data shows that many people wait too long to receive treatment.According to a Kantar study, more than half of the population does nothing when the first symptoms appear.

Why are allergies on the rise?

Experts have been warning for years about an alarming trend: respiratory allergies are on the rise worldwide, and the environment is the main cause.With warm and rainy winters, pollution is increasing, especially on grass, with central and southern Spain being the most affected areas.

On the other hand, air pollution increases the allergenicity of certain plants, increases the concentration of pollen in the air and increases symptoms.As a result, many people experience sneezing, congestion or itchy eyes for several months of the year.

If symptoms persist or are severe, experts recommend consulting a doctor or pharmacist.Correct diagnosis will allow you to identify the responsible allergen, choose the most appropriate treatment and avoid respiratory complications.

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