Colds are a common thing and can happen to anyone. The main cause of a cold is a viral infection. But do you know if allergies can also cause a cold? Many people often find it difficult to distinguish colds from viruses (common cold) and colds from allergies. The reason is, these two colds have common symptoms that are almost like sneezing, runny nose, to stuffy nose. 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
Rhinoviruses are 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 colds enters the body, of course the antibodies will immediately fight. This response then causes symptoms such as coughing and nasal congestion.
So in a matter of days or weeks, your immune system will work to ward off the virus that causes colds and eventually cause symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, and colds.
While colds due to allergies have a different story. This cold is caused by the immune system which reacts to certain substances.
When the body is exposed to substances that cause allergies, the immune system releases chemicals called histamine. In addition to duty to counteract allergy-causing substances, actually histamine released also plays a role in causing allergic symptoms.
The things that trigger allergies can come from dust mites, animal dander, pollen from trees, grass or weeds, and food. You can be said to suffer from a cold due to allergies if the cold you experience does not go away, unless treatment is done or avoid the source of allergies.
Although almost the same, the symptoms caused are slightly different
Colds due to viruses and allergies have common symptoms that are almost similar so they tend to be difficult to distinguish. In general, both conditions show sneezing, runny nose, and nasal congestion. However, there are differences that you can observe to find out if the cold is caused by a virus or allergy.
1. Time for a cold
The virus that causes colds will usually tend to develop and grow more during the rainy season. This cold also takes several days to develop after exposure 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, itchy eyes.
2. Long time to catch a cold
Colds due to viruses will generally last for 3 to 14 days. While colds due to allergies will last longer even for weeks. This depends on your contact with allergic substances.
3. Color of nasal fluid
When you have a cold due to a virus, the mucus that comes out of the nose can generally be green or yellow. Another thing with colds due to allergies is that the mucus is colorless or clear.
4. Body fever
Usually, when you are infected with a virus that causes colds, symptoms of fever and body aches will appear. But not in colds due to allergies that do not cause symptoms like that.
5. Itching of the eyes and nose
Viral infections that cause colds rarely or will not even cause itchy nose and watery eyes. If you experience it during a cold, you may experience a cold due to allergies that have signs like that.
Of course, the way 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 to treat colds. Because antibiotics are given if a cold is caused by bacteria.
But to reduce the symptoms, you can take medications such as cough syrup, decongestant, paracetamol (acetaminophen) and ibuprofen. Consumption of these drugs still must be accompanied by drinking lots of water to prevent dehydration.
Make sure you ask the doctor before taking cold medicines because of the 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 your own treatment such as drinking lots of water, juice, or herbal tea; using humudifier; and using natural-based medicines that contain zinc, vitamin D, and vitamin C.
Treat colds due to allergies
While the treatment for colds caused by allergies is to use antihistamines (allegra, benadryl, and zyrtec). How it works by blocking the histamine reaction to allergens (allergens) so that it can reduce the symptoms of colds due to allergies.
If the allergy case is severe enough, the doctor can prescribe decongestants to help relieve a blocked nose due to allergic symptoms.