Allergies are caused by an overactive immune system that sends your body into defense mode when something that’s usually harmless, such as dust or pollen, is mistaken for germs. Your body releases histamines to go after the allergens, just as it does when fighting a cold. This can cause swelling in your nasal passages, a runny nose, cough, sneezing and itchy, watery eyes.
Colds, on the other hand, are caused by hundreds of different viruses. When one of these viruses gets into your body, thanks to contact with an infected person or contaminated surface, your immune system fights back. The response can come in the way of nasal congestion, a runny nose, coughing and/or sneezing.
Since complaints of sneezing, coughing, and a runny nose are common allergies at this time of year, it’s easy to blame these symptoms on allergies. But they can indicate a more serious medical issue.
Here are 4 signs that your allergy symptoms might be something worse.
1. You’re feeling the heat
Fever is an indicator that your body is fighting a virus such as influenza or a bacterial infection, like a sinus infection. Because allergies are not caused by your body fighting a virus or bacteria. But by allergens, allergies won’t typically cause a fever.
2. You’ve got mucus!
Mucus or phlegm production increases whether you are suffering from allergies, a cold, or the flu, but studies show that darker green or yellow mucus is usually associated with more serious bacterial infections.
3. You suddenly feel awful!
Most allergy sufferers expect to experience symptoms. Like congestion or a sore throat consistently when the body is exposed to allergens like pollen. If you experience acute symptoms quickly or your symptoms get progressively worse over the course of a few days. You might have something worse than allergies, like strep throat.
4. You have aches all over!
When you experience muscle aches along with your cough and runny nose, it can indicate your body is fighting off the flu.
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