Allergies are a problem that many of us have. Sometimes, when you wake up in the morning, you start sneezing. Your eyes are red and your nose is itchy . Are you also confused about whether it's an allergy or just a cold? So today, let's talk about the most common questions you have about allergies and the simplest answers to them.
Can allergies be completely cured?
Simply put, allergies cannot be cured completely. But don't worry! We can control and treat their symptoms. But it takes a little effort. You have to find out what triggers your allergies and adjust your environment to stay as far away from them as possible.
Medications can help relieve your symptoms, but if you are exposed to the allergen again, your symptoms may return. However, some allergies in young children, especially food allergies, tend to go away as they get older.
Another treatment is called immunotherapy . This involves giving your body very small amounts of the allergen you are allergic to, either as an injection, a tablet under your tongue, or a drop. This gradually makes your body more sensitive to the allergen. Although it is not a complete cure, it can significantly reduce the severity of the allergy.
Is this an allergy? Or is it a cold? How do you know for sure?
The symptoms of both are very similar, so it's easy to confuse them. Sneezing, stuffy nose, runny nose , watery eyes, fatigue, and headaches are common symptoms of both. But there are a few ways to tell the two apart.
The most important thing is to look at the pattern of symptoms. With an allergy, the symptoms start suddenly. But with a cold, the symptoms gradually increase.
Let's understand this difference more clearly from the table below.
| Characteristic / Fact | Allergy | Cold |
|---|---|---|
| Itching | Itchy eyes and nose are very common . This is a major symptom. | Itching is very rare. |
| Time | The allergy lasts as long as the person is exposed to the allergen (days, weeks, or months). | It usually heals in 7-10 days. |
| The nature of the liquid | There is a clear, watery discharge. | Although it may be clear at first, it may later turn into a thick, yellow or greenish discharge. |
| Fever | Fever does not occur in an allergic condition. | Sometimes there may be a feeling of heat or a slight fever . |
| Contagion | Allergies are not contagious. | Colds are caused by a virus and can be contagious . |
What is this 'pollen count'?
In some countries, the ``Pollen Count`` is also reported along with the weather report. Simply put, it measures the amount of pollen in a given volume of air. It is specifically about pollen emitted from trees, grasses, and weeds.
Although we don't get such official reports in Sri Lanka, this concept is important for us too. Think about it, during certain times, for example, when the kohomba flowers are in bloom, or when the wind is very dusty, some people's allergies increase, right? Similarly, when allergens such as pollen or dust increase in the environment, people with allergies can experience increased symptoms. So if you have allergies, it is wise to limit your outdoor time during such times.
Will my allergy go away if I move to another province?
Unfortunately, no . Moving won't make your allergies go away. The main reason you develop allergies is because your immune system is overly sensitive to certain things. When you move to a new area, your body can become more sensitive to new pollens or other allergens in that area. So, instead of an allergy that you had in one place, you might develop a new allergy in a new place.
What does the word 'Hypoallergenic' mean on many things?
You may have seen this word on things like soaps, creams, and makeup. "Hypo" means "less" or "under." That means "Hypoallergenic" means a product that is less likely to cause an allergic reaction .
Many of the products we use, such as soaps, shampoos, deodorants, and makeup, contain ingredients that can cause skin allergies. Especially fragrances and preservatives can cause a condition called contact dermatitis . This is when the skin becomes red, swollen, and itchy. In some people, it can even cause blisters.
The " hypoallergenic " label means that the product does not contain any ingredients that could cause allergies. But the biggest problem here is that there is no law or standard to prove this. So it is not a 100% guarantee.
So, whenever you're trying out a new product, especially if you have sensitive skin, do a small patch test first. Apply a small amount to the inside of your elbow and wait 24 hours to see if you have any allergic reactions.
Is there a connection between stress and allergies?
Yes, there is a connection. Stress does not cause allergies. But stress can make allergies you already have worse.
Here's how it works. When we're stressed, our bodies release certain hormones. These hormones cause our bodies to produce a chemical called histamine . This histamine is the main culprit in causing allergy symptoms (itching, sneezing, runny nose). So, when histamine increases due to stress, your allergy symptoms also increase. So, to control allergies, it's important to control stress .
Take-Home Message
- Although allergies cannot be completely cured, symptoms can be well controlled through treatment and avoiding allergens.
- A major difference between allergies and a cold is itching. Itchy eyes and nose are common in allergies, but rarely so in a cold.
- Even a product labeled 'hypoallergenic' is not 100% safe. Before using anything new on your skin, do a small patch test.
- Stress can worsen your allergy symptoms, so keeping your mind relaxed can also help control allergies.
- If your symptoms are severe, difficult to control, or you have any concerns, be sure to see your doctor for advice.
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