May
24,
2018
May 24, 2018
An allergy is a response from the immune system to the exposure to different allergens such as pollen, seasonal trees, grass, etc. Allergic rhinitis, also known as “hay fever”, is one of its most common manifestations. Allergies aren’t contagious but there is no cure for them. (1, 2)
A cold is an upper respiratory infection caused by a virus. There is also a reaction from the immune system which helps us fight these microbes. Colds can be transmitted from infected people to others and it is possible to catch it at any time of the year. (3)
Whether you have an allergy or a cold, it’s essential to look out for yourself. Let’s identify some of your symptoms in order to find a proper treatment.
Source: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease (4)
References
- Small P, Kim H. Allergic rhinitis. Allergy, Asthma & Clinical Immunology. 2011.Volume 7, Number 1, Page 1.
- Skoner PD. Allergic rhinitis: Definition, epidemiology, pathophysiology, detection, and diagnosis. 2001.Volume 108, Issue 1, Supplement, Pages S2–S8.
- https://www.cdc.gov/dotw/common-cold/index.html
- https://medlineplus.gov/magazine/issues/summer11/articles/summer11pg20.html