Spring is almost here, which means sunnier and warmer days, rain and puddles, and all manner of blooming trees and flowers. The growth of new life is beautiful, but for those with seasonal allergies, spring can be a dreaded time of the year. Most people who have seasonal spring allergies are allergic to the pollen that is released by most trees, weeds, and grass that begin to bloom and grow in the spring. When a pollen-sensitive immune system detects pollen entering the body, it marks it as dangerous, which explains why sickness symptoms usually occur. A stuffy nose, watery or itchy eyes, and congestion are several of the body’s defense mechanisms to attempt to remove pollen and prevent it from entering the body. That said, any number of these symptoms can be extremely irritating to deal with, so if you start experiencing any of these symptoms, it is best to figure out if you do have seasonal allergies and how to deal with them.
Difference Between Cold Symptoms and Seasonal Allergies
Sometimes it can be incredibly difficult to tell if someone has a cold or seasonal allergies. Many of the symptoms look the same and it can be hard to tell the two apart. Both cause many of the same symptoms as the immune system sees causes of seasonal allergies as foreign and unwanted, similar to illness causes.
Possible Symptoms Include:
- Sneezing
- Itchy eyes
- Watery eyes
- Itchy sinuses, throat, and ears
- Postnasal drainage
- Congested ears
- Sinus headache
However, there are a few telling symptomatic differences between colds and seasonal allergies that can help determine which is which.
Which Symptom Occurs with Which Ailment?
| Symptom | Cold | Seasonal Allergies |
| Fever | Sometimes | Never |
| Itchy eyes | Rarely | Usually |
| Sore Throat | Usually | Rarely |
| Sneezing | Usually | Usually |
| Tiredness | Sometimes | Sometimes |
| Runny Nose | Usually | Usually |
| Stuffy Nose | Usually | Usually |
| Cough | Usually | Sometimes |
The largest difference between illnesses and seasonal allergies is colds usually lasts 3-10 days, but seasonal allergies can last much longer, weeks to months. So, take a look at your symptoms and how long you have had them. That knowledge should help determine if you indeed have a cold or seasonal allergies.
Natural Remedies for Seasonal Allergies
Getting a cold is never fun and then consuming lots of extra over-the-counter medications can overwhelm the body. Many opt to treat their cold with natural remedies, many of which have been around for hundreds of years. Try some of these natural cold remedies next time you get sick.
Zinc lozenges can help reduce the duration of cold symptoms, especially when they are taken within 24 hours of symptoms appearing. Zinc is an essential mineral that can reduce the severity of cold symptoms because it blocks the virus from replicating and spreading. Zinc lozenges can be found at most local pharmacies and grocery stores.
Vitamin D also has the possibility to shorten the span of your cold. More research needs to be done, but some studies suggest that people with lower levels of vitamin D are more likely to get colds. Vitamin D can also be found in the supplement section of most grocery stores.
Astragalus root is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb that will strengthen your immunity and prevent illnesses. The root is an antioxidant and is usually suggested for those with weakened immune systems. Astragalus can be taken in a capsule, tea, or extract and can be found at most health stores. It is usually recommended that it be taken to prevent colds and treat cold symptoms.
Garlic is one of the most popular natural remedies, as it is demonstrated to have antibacterial and antifungal properties. It contains allicin, which is what makes garlic ideal for treating a cold. To maximize allicin’s effect, get raw, fresh garlic and chop or cut it, or if you don’t want the taste of garlic, garlic supplements are also available. Studies have shown that taking garlic reduced their sickness recovery time.