Have you ever been confused by symptoms like a runny nose, sneezing, and itchy eyes?
You might not be sure whether you’re dealing with allergies or a cold. This text will help you understand the differences and recognize the key signs of both conditions.
What is a cold?
A cold is an acute viral catarrhal inflammation of the nasal mucosa and the front part of the throat, during which symptoms such as a runny nose, nasal and ear congestion, dryness, tightness, mild sore throat, fever, and slight muscle aches appear. The illness typically lasts 6 to 7 days, after which complete recovery occurs. Treatment of the common cold is symptomatic, including rest, warm drinks, and fever-reducing medications.
What are the key differences?
Allergies and colds have some common symptoms, but there are several key characteristics that can help differentiate them:
- Allergy symptoms are most pronounced in the morning and late evening, while cold symptoms persist throughout the day.
- Cold symptoms resolve spontaneously after a short period, whereas allergy symptoms last significantly longer and usually subside only with appropriate medication.
- If symptoms last longer than two weeks, there is a possibility of an allergy.
- A family history of allergies increases the likelihood of developing allergies.
- If symptoms recur every year at the same time (spring, summer, fall), it is almost certainly an allergy.
- Allergies cause irritating itching of the eyes and nose, while such itching is not present with colds.
- In allergies, nasal and throat mucus is watery and clear, while in colds, the mucus is usually thick and yellow-green.
- Sneezing does not bring relief in allergic rhinitis, while sneezing typically leads to relief in colds.
- Positive allergy test results indicate an allergy.
If any of the mentioned symptoms persist for a long time, it is advisable to seek advice from a family doctor, as it is most likely an allergy, i.e., allergic rhinitis and/or asthma. If necessary, your doctor will refer you for further diagnostic evaluation and a specialist examination by an otorhinolaryngologist or pulmonologist.
How to Treat Allergies?
You can prevent and more easily treat allergies and colds by strengthening the body’s defense mechanisms.
Allergies can be prevented and much more easily treated if, three months before the season of potential allergens from nature, the immune system is enriched with antioxidants and extracts that have been proven to reduce allergic reactions and stabilize the immune system.
Smart solution for alleviating your allergy and inflammation symptoms
Q SMART®
A natural, unique combination suitable for alleviating issues caused by the immune system’s excessive reaction to allergens (dust mites, pollen, certain foods).
- Phytosomal form of quercetin (within a microscopic oil droplet) for up to 20x better bioavailability*
- Phytosomal form of Indian frankincense (within a microscopic oil droplet) for up to 3x better bioavailability*
- Bromelain acts as an anti-inflammatory
- 5-in-1 Effect: Studies show that these ingredients reduce symptoms of seasonal and perennial allergies, alleviate asthma symptoms, reduce the frequency and speed up recovery from chronic sinusitis, balance the immune system, and are also suitable for other inflammatory processes such as Crohn’s disease, arthritis, etc.
- Vitamin A, C, D, and zinc contribute to the normal function of the immune system.
- Vitamin C and zinc contribute to the protection of cells from oxidative stress.
- Vitamin A contributes to the maintenance of normal mucous membranes.
- Suitable for vegetarians and vegans
- Gluten-free, allergen-free, additive-free, and free of artificial colors
- Made in Croatia
- Developed by pharmaceutical experts with years of experience in pharmacy
Don’t let allergies affect your quality of life, take control.
Sources:
- M Jafarinia , M Sadat Hosseini , N Kasiri , N Fazel , F Fathi , M Ganjalikhani Hakemi , N Eskandari:Quercetin with the potential effect on allergic diseases, Allergy Asthma Clin Immunol. 2020 May 14:16:36. doi: 10.1186/s13223-020-00434-0.
- L Feng, F Sun, Y Chen, S Shamsadin Athari, X Chen: Studying the Effects of Vitamin A on the Severity of Allergic Rhinitis and Asthma. Iran J Allergy Asthma Immunol December 2021; 20(6):684-692.Doi: 10.18502/ijaai.v20i6.8018.
- M H E Ghalibaf, F Kianian, S Beigoli,S Behrouz, N Marefati,M Boskabady, MH Boskabady: The efects of vitamin C on respiratory, allergic and immunological diseases: an experimental and clinical‐based review. Infammopharmacology (2023) 31:653–672doi.org/10.1007/s10787-023-01169-1.
- Zajac, D. Mineral :Micronutrients in Asthma. Nutrients2021, 13, 4001. //doi.org/10.3390/nu13114001
- Chakraborty, A.J.; Mitra, S.;Tallei, T.E.; Tareq, A.M.; Nainu, F.;Cicia, D.; Dhama, K.; Emran, T.B.;Simal-Gandara, J.; Capasso, R.Bromelain a Potential BioactiveCompound: A Comprehensive Overview from a PharmacologicalPerspective. Life 2021, 11, 317. https://doi.org/10.3390/life11040317
- Natalija G. Tošić, Vesna D. Nikolić, Vojkan M. Miljković, Ljubiša B. Nikolić: BOSWELLIA SERRATA RESIN ISOLATES: CHEMICAL COMPOSITION AND PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES. Advanced technologies11(1) (2022) 76-87, UDC 582.746.36:615.322:678.049.6 DOI 10.5937/savteh2201076T
- Tanja Šafar-Balić, dr. med., specijalist pulmolog: Kako razlikovati prehladu od alergije? Pristupljeno 8.3.2024., dostupno na plivazdravlje.hr
*Product results may vary from person to person and may differ from those described on the page. The information read on this page cannot replace a medical examination and diagnosis by a professional. Damasalis consult disclaims any liability for the consequences of improper use of our dietary supplements. A dietary supplement is not a substitute for a balanced diet.
Moje ime je Lidija Vuljanić Rizk, magistra sam farmacije i fitoaromaterapeut. Zbog ljubavi prema prirodnim znanostima i prirodnim načinima liječenja, posvetila sam se pomagati svima koji shvaćaju povezanost ljekovitosti prirode i ravnoteže svog tijela.