There are three easy to spot tell tale signs that make it simple to distinguish hay fever brought on by pollen from the common cold.
Hay fever is one of the most common allergies in the world and effects up to 1 in 5 people at some point in their life time. But despite it being so prevalent, many people don't know exactly what the symptoms are or recognise its difference to a common cold. Or, even when they do, some are still at a loss at how to treat it.
The main difference between hay fever and common cold is that they are caused by two entirely different things - meaning they also have slightly different effects on the body. A common cold is caused by viruses - most commonly a variety of rhinovirus - and are very easily spread between people through the air or through contact.
Hay fever, however, is an allergic reaction that some people develop to inhaled substances from the air. This can include dust, mould, animal fur and of course, pollen. During an allergic reaction, the body's immune system over reacts to harmless materials such as these, releasing a load of chemicals in attempt to combat them that in turn cause symptoms some of know all too well - sneezing, runny nose and itchy, irritated and watery eyes
However, many of the symptoms experienced during a bout of hay fever are similar to that caused by the common cold and despite popular belief, it is possible to catch a cold when its warm outside and to suffer hay fever in the winter. But there are some key ways to tell the difference, according to expert, ENT surgeon, Mike Dilkes. Here's how:
Itchy Eyes
Itchy eyes are not a symptom of the common cold, so if you're eyes are itchy, sore and red, its probably hay fever.
Aching Limbs
If you have the sniffles, but are also suffering from aching limbs and are feeling hot, cold and shivery, you most likely have a cold.
Length of Time
Cold symptoms usually go after a week or two at the most, while hay fever will continue as long as the allergen is around in the air. Therefore, if you can't seem to get rid of your runny nose and itchiness - and it seems to come and go depending on whether you are outside or not - then hay fever is probably what you're suffering.
The general advice if you are not sure is to note your symptoms down, when and where they occur and are at their worst (and best) and present it to a pharmacist, who, if they recognise hay fever, will be able to give you over the counter treatments to help.
Avoiding hay fever
There are some key ways you can try to avoid hay fever from striking in the first place, even though its almost impossible to completely eliminate any allergens from the air that may trigger it.
Pollen-proofing your home is one way of reducing the risk of allergies. This includes keeping your windows and doors closed early morning and early evening, as this is when pollen counts are at their highest, opting for sealed stone or tiled floors over carpets and rugs where allergens can get trapped and vacuuming regularly with a dust filter. Plus, use a wet cloth to mop up any remaining lurking dust.
Pollen and other allergens have sneaky ways of getting trapped in your hair and clothes so its recommended to shower before bed - especially if you've been outside for a while, so that you don't bring the allergens into your bed with you overnight. Wash your bedclothes and pyjamas frequently too ensure they don't hang on to any particles.
Don't remove your nose hair or over pluck your eyebrows. Although you might want your facial hair to be neatly trimmed at all times, these tiny hairs on your face and up your nostrils serve the ultra important task of preventing allergens in the air from entering your body. Nasal hairs trap dust and particles, which you may then sneeze out before they are inhaled. Similarly, the eyebrows protect your eyes from floating materials in the air. Lighting plucking and trimming is fine - but don't go waxing all your hairs away.
Treatment
There are many different treatments to try if you suffer from nasty hay fever. These include rinsing your nasal passage with sterile salt water, which is said to help clear the particles collected up the nose. This can be done with an especially designed device from the chemist. A little dab of Vaseline, or petroleum jelly, rubbed around the nostrils - especially at night - is another way to trap those pesky particle before they make their way up your nose.
Antihistamine sprays, nose drops and eye drops can be bought at over the counter at your local pharmacy and help by reducing the nasty histamine chemical that causes so many of the hay fever symptoms. Stronger steroid sprays can be obtained via prescription, but you'll have to see your doctor to get them. Mast cell stabilising sprays and eye drops can also help allergies affecting the eyes, nose or lungs and can be bought over the counter.
Antihistamine tablets are a great port of call and are available in both drowsy and non-drowsy types. You can get some over the counter but the stronger ones will require a prescription from your doctor. Anti-asthma drugs and steroid tablets can also be obtained through the doctors in some instances. Finally, immunotherapy can be used in some extreme cases where all other options have failed.