I developed intense heartburn during my second pregnancy. I tried every pregnancy-safe home remedy I could find and nothing seemed to work. I was hopeful that once my daughter was born, it would improve. When it didn't, I spent a lot of time working with an internal medicine specialist and researching remedies online. I've found many different things that help in different ways. I decided to create this site to document the solutions that I've found and help others to find a way to manage their chronic heartburn as well. If you're struggling with persistent heartburn, I hope this information helps you find relief.
Many people are currently experiencing cold-like symptoms but fail to realize their symptoms are truly caused by allergies. If you seem to have frequent or recurrent colds, it is time to consider whether allergies are the real problem.
Seasons
You can have a cold any time of year, but colds seem to be more prevalent during the colder months because more people are indoors and in close contact. Depending on your local weather patterns and what may be triggering allergies, there may be some indication whether you are dealing with allergies based on the seasons. If you have a cooler winter, you are unlikely to experience allergy symptoms, unless your triggers are indoor allergens. Seasonal allergies can become an issue starting in late winter or early spring for trees, summer for grasses, and late summer to early fall for weeds.
Duration
The bulk of cold symptoms should resolve within a week, but you may have a nagging cough for a couple of weeks thereafter. Symptoms that last longer or that resolve but frequently reappear are more likely the result of allergies. If you have allergies and they are a result of indoor allergens, such as pets, dust, or mold, you can feel like you have a chronic cold that lasts all year. The symptoms associated with seasonal allergies frequently ebb and flow based on the pollen count and the prevalent species. If you believe you have allergies, keeping a journal about your symptoms and the pollen count can be useful. Not only will you have an idea of whether the problem is allergies, but you might also pinpoint which types of pollen are the worse culprits.
Symptoms
Colds and allergies are often difficult to differentiate because their symptoms can be similar. Coughing, sneezing, and a runny and stuffy nose can occur with both conditions. Symptoms that tend to be exclusive to allergies include eye and skin concerns. People with allergies will often experience itchy, watery eyes, and they may have itchy skin or hives. With a cold, you may experience a productive cough that dries out over the coming weeks. When a cough occurs with allergies, it is more likely to be a dry, hacking cough. Fortunately, both problems are treated with the same types of medications. Antihistamines are effective for sneezing and itchy skin or eyes. Decongestants are used to help reduce stuffiness. Depending on the type of cough you have, you may need a cough suppressant with an expectorant. The expectorant can thin mucus and help with a productive cough or sinus congestion.
Knowing the difference between a cold and allergies will make the underlying problem easier to manage. If you have allergies, consistent treatment will be the best way to tackle allergy symptoms before they start. Visit a local allergist to learn more.
Share9 September 2019
