GREEN BAY — As the vibrant colors of fall emerge, so does the onset of fall allergy season, affecting many individuals across the Midwest. Emplify Health by Bellin, a leading healthcare provider, offers insights into recognizing and managing fall allergies, helping patients distinguish them from common colds and viral infections.
Fall allergy season is characterized by an increase in airborne allergens such as ragweed pollen, mold spores and dust mites. These allergens can trigger symptoms that often mimic those of colds or viruses, leading to confusion and misdiagnosis.
Dr. Ishaan Jakhar, asthma & allergy physician at Emplify Health by Bellin, explains the key differences: “While fall allergies and colds share similar symptoms like sneezing and nasal congestion, allergies typically do not cause fever or body aches, which are common with viral infections. Allergies also tend to persist as long as the allergen is present, whereas colds usually resolve within a week to 10 days.”
Recognizing the subtle differences between fall allergies and viral illnesses is crucial for effective treatment and relief. Dr. Jakhar emphasizes the importance of understanding the symptom patterns and triggers to avoid unnecessary use of antibiotics or other medications.
Tips for recognizing fall allergy symptoms:
Duration and timing: Allergy symptoms often last for weeks or months during the fall season, whereas cold symptoms usually improve within 7-10 days.
Presence of fever: Allergies do not cause fever, while colds and viruses may be accompanied by a low-grade fever.
Symptoms type: Allergies commonly cause itchy eyes, sneezing, clear nasal discharge and nasal congestion. Colds may include thicker nasal mucus, sore throat and body aches.
Emplify Health by Bellin encourages individuals experiencing persistent respiratory symptoms during the fall to consult with healthcare providers for accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans. Proper management of fall allergies can significantly improve quality of life and prevent complications.
For more information about fall allergies and to schedule an appointment with a specialist, please visit bellin.org/services/asthma-allergy or contact your Emplify Health by Bellin provider by visiting your Emplify MyChart.