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Sore Throat

So, you have a sore throat, cough, runny nose and congestion. Have you caught a common cold or do you have allergy symptoms? Sometimes, it is even difficult for doctors to distinguish between the two, because their symptoms can be so similar. If you have a persistent throat discomfort accompanied by other allergy symptoms, consider an allergy sore throat.

Causes and Concerns

One of hundreds of different kinds of cold-causing viruses can enter your body. As a defense mechanism, your immune system will attack these pathogens. The result of this response is classic cold symptoms, including sore throat, cough, fever and nasal congestion. Allergies occur when you have an overactive immune system. For unknown reasons, the body confuses harmless substances (allergens) like airborne dust and pollens for germs and infiltrates them.

When you have allergies, your body releases chemicals (called histamines), and they fight the allergen in the same manner as when you battle a cold bug. You can develop swollen nasal passages, runny nose, sneezing, cough and a sore throat. Unlike the common cold, allergies are not contagious.

Symptoms and Signs

While there are some differences, cold and allergy symptoms can also overlap. For example, you will sometimes feel achy or feverish with a cold but never with allergies. You will often get a sore throat as the first symptom of a cold. However, you will only sometimes develop a sore throat as part of an allergic reaction. This is called allergy sore throat, and it results when persistent drainage irritates the back of the oral cavity.

The main difference between a cold and allergies is that a cold normally last for two weeks at the most, while allergies will typically be more long-lasting. If you have cold-like symptoms after fourteen days, you should consult an allergy specialist. Your symptoms could be caused by allergies, or they could be potential warning signs of a more serious problem such as asthma. Common symptoms and signs of allergies that accompany allergy sore throat include:

Persistent sore throat

Pain with swallowing

Dry throat

Sneezing and nasal congestion

Itchy, watery eyes

Coughing and wheezing

Snoring

Difficulty breathing

Solutions and Options

Even though allergy and cold symptoms are very often similar, their causes are not. Therefore different tactics are needed to prevent colds and allergies. In order to avoid the nasty symptoms of a cold, try not to let any of the many common cold viruses enter your body. Stay as far away as you can from anyone who exhibits signs and symptoms of a cold. Wash your hands frequently. To prevent spreading your cold, always cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough. Also, use either a tissue or your sleeve instead of your hands.

In order to lessen the chances of developing allergic reactions, including an allergic sore throat or cough, avoid direct contact with your known allergens (like substances you know cause your adverse reactions). Common allergens include:

Pollens

Molds

Animal dander

Dust mites

Cockroaches

Always talk to your doctor before taking any medications you can buy in a drugstore without a prescription. This is especially important if you take prescription medications to prevent possible drug interactions. While there is no known cure for either common colds or allergies, there are ways to ease your symptoms. To treat both cold and allergy symptoms, try some of these home remedies:

Summary

While cold and allergy symptoms are rarely serious on their own, they can lead to other conditions like asthma, ear infections, and sinus infections. If you think you have an allergy sore throat from persistent allergies, consult one of our caring allergy specialists. The doctor can help you find a solution to your symptoms.

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Hearing Survey

Please answer the question below to the best of your ability. After you choose your answer, the next question will appear. At the end of the survey, you will be provided with a score, and you may send this score to us so we may discuss any hearing loss issues you are having.

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Are there situations in which you find it difficult to hear clearly?

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Do you have a problem hearing over the telephone?

Do you have trouble following a conversation when two or more people are talking at the same time?

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You are not experiencing common signs of hearing loss. However, if you suspect you may have hearing loss or are experiencing other symptoms not listed here, please contact our office for a consultation.

It appears you may be experiencing signs of a hearing loss. A hearing test can help detect early signs. We recommend contacting our office to schedule a hearing test.

Your responses indicate that you are experiencing common signs of a hearing loss. We recommend that you contact us to set up an appointment for a hearing test.

You are experiencing many signs of a hearing loss. It is highly recommended that you contact our office today for an appointment to meet with a hearing professional.

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