Is it a cold or allergies?
Fall is quickly approaching and that means new allergens will soon be drifting through the air.
While some might think the non-stop sneezing and sore throat are a cold, that’s not always the case.
“It can be hard to tell the difference, but there are some subtle signs to look out for,” says Joseph Han, MD, Professor of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. “People suffering from allergies generally don’t have a fever, but they can have watery eyes, scratchy throats and an itchy, non-stop runny nose."
Here are some of the most common fall triggers:
- Ragweed- Ragweed is the biggest trigger for fall allergies
- Mold – Most people know that mold grows in damp places in their homes like bathrooms and basements, but wet piles of leaves can also be a breeding ground
- Dust mites – While you clean up the dust during spring cleaning, anything that has accumulated by fall gets stirred up when you turn on the heat for the first time
To find out if your sneezing and coughing is related to allergies, visit EVMS Ear, Nose and Throat Surgeons online or call 757.388.6200 to make an appointment.