How To Combat Allergy Symptoms

April 23, 2025

Wellness

Achoo! As temperatures rise many people start to experience seasonal allergies and have asthma flair ups.

Coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, tightness in the chest? Spring can be a difficult time for people who have allergies or asthma. Both can make you feel miserable. Understanding the similarities and differences can help you treat these conditions appropriately.

Is It Allergies or a Cold?

Asthma

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways that makes breathing uncomfortable and difficult.
Symptoms: Coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness
Length of time it lasts: Ongoing but manageable

Allergies

Immune system reacting to a foreign substance (allergen)
Symptoms: Runny nose, sneezing, itchy nose/eyes, congestion
Length of time it lasts: AS long as you are exposed to allergen

Cold

Virtual infection that causes membrane in nose/throat to become inflamed
Symptoms: Congestion, runny nose, sneezing, weakness/fatigue, nasal discharge (thick and yellow)
Length of time it lasts: About a week after onset

Sinusitis

Inflammation of nasal passages occurring from bacterial infections or cold/allergy
Symptoms: Headache, cough, sinus pressure, colored nasal discharge
Length of time it lasts: Weeks or months

Seasonal allergy symptoms can often be mistaken as the common cold. Check out the infographic below for symptoms that may occur with allergies, a cold or both.

Easy Ways To Combat Seasonal Allergies

At Home

Close the windows, remove your shoes at the door, wash your hair and change clothes after being outdoors, and take a shower before bed. Don't forget to check and change A/C filter throughout the spring season.