According to Idea, the El Niño phenomenon is expected to begin in November and last until May next year, with December and January being the strongest.
Changing weather conditions may pose health risks due to an increase in allergens in the air, Even people with no previous allergy symptoms can develop seasonal allergies to dust and pollution.
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“It is estimated that approximately 22% of Colombians suffer from allergic rhinitis, a condition that is worsened by environmental conditions. El Niño exacerbates climate change, rising temperatures and other environmental factors that alter air quality and contribute to allergic reactions in the population increase. Therefore, people must learn to differentiate between the symptoms of allergies and the common cold to find the best way to prepare,” said Dr. Diana Parrado.
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Differentiating allergies from the common cold is crucial to preventing health problems. For one thing, misdiagnosed allergies expose people to the allergen that causes them, worsening symptoms and leading to long-term complications like asthma.
On the other hand, using cold medicines unnecessarily may cause unwanted side effects, and improper treatment can prolong discomfort and affect quality of life.
Here are some symptoms that can easily differentiate them:
• Nasal congestion: Allergies can cause noticeable watery congestion, while the common cold tends to produce thicker, yellow or green congestion.
• Sneezing: In allergies, sneezing is more frequent and explosive as the body tries to expel the allergen quickly, whereas in the common cold, sneezing is a natural response to irritation caused by the virus and is less frequent.
• Itchy throat and nose: This is common in allergies, especially in the throat and eyes, as the allergens release histamine, and is less severe in the common cold, which rarely affects the eyes.
• Fever: Not usually seen in allergies but may be seen in colds and is a classic symptom of a viral infection.
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• Sore throat: It is not usually related to allergies because it is a sign of an infection of the cells in the throat that occurs during a cold.
• Fatigue or general malaise: A cold sufferer’s body mounts an immune response, whereas allergies involve a more localized immune response.
How to be better prepared?
Due to the lack of information and the relief that flu medications provide in many cases, people often turn to flu medications to treat minor allergy symptoms.
However, Parrado believes it’s important to realize that antihistamines have a concentrated effect on the main cause of allergic reactions: histamine, although some cold medicines contain this ingredient. It focuses on reducing the symptoms of viral infections through a first-generation form of action that causes drowsiness and potential mental state confusion, thereby limiting the user’s daily activities.
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In contrast, modern allergy medications can be very effective in relieving symptoms such as nasal congestion, sneezing, itching and even hives, which are caused by allergens such as dust, environmental changes, and/or pollen, which can occur in children with allergies phenomenon intensified. , thereby not affecting the waking state or impairing people’s mental abilities.
This is why they produce fewer side effects and They usually have little impact on work performance, school performance, driving and other daily activities. Because most of them do not cause drowsiness and provide longer relief.
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