With cold weather comes the troubles of cold and flu season. As the sniffles set in, the doctors at Chattanooga Allergy Clinic are ready to help patients determine if that runny nose is just a seasonal bug or something more.
“This time of year, when so many people are sick, it can be difficult to tell if you’re facing the flu, a cold or an allergy trigger,” explained Dr. Marc Cromie. “People often joke and ask if we just take off during December and January because there is no pollen, but we’re actually busier than ever because so many people are sick and end up having trouble with their indoor allergies and asthma as a result.”
There are some questions to ask yourself to help determine the right ways to get relief and lead to the right diagnosis.
First, a fever with aches and chills is never allergies, but can be signs of influenza. Dr. Cromie said that patients who suspect the flu should be tested by their primary care physician and, if positive, get treated with Tamiflu within the first 48 hours of symptoms surfacing.
Sneezing is a symptom that can accompany either ailment. However, sneezing that lasts more than a week and is paired with itchy, watery eyes points to trouble with allergies, he added “This time of year, common (allergy) triggers are dust mites, indoor pets and mold. Many people are also bothered by irritants such as dry heat, potpourri/ candles and even changes in barometric pressure,” Dr. Cromie said.