Winter not only brings cold and dry weather but also brings a series of common health problems.
In particular, allergies and respiratory infections are two conditions that are easily confused by many overlapping symptoms. unclear distinction can cause patients to self-treat incorrectly, causing the disease to persist or worsen.
Dr Shitij Goel, senior consultant dermatologist at ShardaCare Healthcity (India), said he often meets patients coming for examination in the winter with similar symptoms.
The key to distinguishing between the two conditions is the itching sensation, Dr. Shitij Goel emphasizes.
According to Dr Goel, itching is the most common symptom of winter allergies, while infections rarely cause itching. When symptoms such as itching, nasal itching, sore throat or itchy skin appear, it is more likely an allergic reaction than a disease caused by a virus or bacteria.
In contrast, infections often cause pain, fatigue, chills and a feeling of exhaustion throughout the body.
Explaining winter allergies more clearly, dermatologist Shitij Goel said that this is an overreaction of the immune system to irritants in cold environments.
Common factors include indoor foreign objects such as dust, mold, pet dander, which can easily accumulate when windows are closed and more people are indoors. In addition, sweaters and heat-retaining fabrics can also cause skin irritation, causing the wearer to itch or swell the hips.
Another cause that cannot be ignored is dry air, especially when using a heater, which damages the skin's natural protective barrier and nasal mucous membranes.
Meanwhile, winter infections such as colds or flu have other symptoms. Instead of itching, patients often feel sore throats, headaches, muscle pain and fatigue.
To distinguish more clearly, Dr. Goel suggests using simple tools such as thermometry and monitoring the duration of the disease.
Specifically, allergies never cause fever. If the body temperature increases, even if it is only mild, it is almost certainly a sign of infection.
In addition, the duration of symptoms is also an important factor, because viral infections usually go away within 710 days, while allergies will last as long as the patient is exposed to the allergen.
Another easily recognizable sign is nasal congestion. Allergies often cause transparent, diluted mucus; infections often come with thick, yellow or green mucus.
To prevent and reduce symptoms in winter, doctors recommend drinking enough water, using a moisturizer, moisturizing the skin with products containing ceramides to protect the skin barrier and mucous membranes.
However, if symptoms persist for more than 10 days or show signs of aging, patients should go to a medical facility for proper diagnosis and treatment, instead of taking medicine on their own.
(The article is for reference only, not a replacement for professional advice. Always consult a doctor or medical professional if you have any questions).
