Are plants starting to flower (or leaves starting to fall?) A change of season means this is more likely an allergy—your body’s response to airborne allergens (substances such as pollen that cause allergies). Colds are most common in winter months, and are caused by viruses that show up in any environment.
Did your symptoms appear suddenly and last more than a week? Cold symptoms tend to appear more gradually but go away more quickly.
Are your eyes watery and itchy? Allergens can inflame the clear membrane covering your inner eyelid and eyeball.
Are you free of a fever? Allergies don’t cause fevers, but colds can.
Birch, cedar, cottonwood, and pine are big allergy triggers in the spring. The other plants that cause problems depend upon where you live.
So right about now, you may be thinking: But how do I get relief? I can advise you about over-the-counter (OTC) remedies. Antihistamines treat symptoms such as sneezing and itchy nose or throat. Nasal or oral decongestants can help with nasal stuffiness. Eye drops relieve itchiness. Please don’t hesitate to ask me any questions you have about side effects or how long you can safely use these drugs.
AAAAI: “Pollen Count Stations.” Available at: http://www.aaaai.org/global/nab-pollen-counts.aspx Accessed 2-25-16.
AAAAI: “Spring Allergies.” Available at: https://www.aaaai.org/Aaaai/media/MediaLibrary/PDF%20Documents/Libraries/EL-Spring-Allergies-patient.pdf Accessed 2-25-16.
WebMD: “Allergy Relief Tips Wherever You Go.” Available at: http://www.webmd.com/allergies/allergy-relief-10/spring-allergies Accessed 2-25-16.