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It can be hard to tell at times. Both conditions have similar symptoms, but there are distinct characteristics. And in a time where having symptoms at all can feel like a cause for concern of something greater, perhaps it’s a good idea to sort this out a bit.
Lately I’ve received a lot of calls for people suffering from allergies. This is not new, especially with living here in central Texas where the “allergy season” seems to be year-round. There is such a convergence of different topographies in this region, which makes it so beautiful, but that beauty also brings with it a vast array of different environmental pollens as well. At present, ragweed is causing major issues for people. But, it’s been presenting in such a way to cause confusion as to what’s really going on. Is it something more than allergies? Is it a cold? Is it a sign of something greater or more severe?! To clear some confusion about what you may be experiencing, here is a brief rundown of symptoms for each. Allergy Symptoms Generally, you can most easily tell you’re experiencing allergy symptoms when they tend to happen around the same time each year. Every geographical region will have it’s own “allergy season” so it’s best to become aware of what that is in your respective area. The trouble nowadays, though, is that people who have historically had seasonal allergies are now taking one or more common suppressive medications on an almost daily basis. So it will be hard to tell if you’re having an exacerbation of those allergies, or if in fact a cold of some kind is developing. Here are some common allergy symptoms:
As you can see this could also seem like a common cold. Colds are caused by viruses in the environment, whereas allergies are the overactive immune response to an outside substance, such as an environmental pollen. How many times have you heard the phrase, “It just must be something viral” when no other explanation can be found? Colds Common colds viruses will present with similar symptoms as allergies, but there are a couple differences:
Note that there are overlap with the allergy symptoms, but the main differences are aches and pains, sore throat, and fevers are more common with colds than allergies. Both can have runny noses or post-nasal drip, which can also cause throat issues, like pain and/or irritation. As with all situations for all people, you may have more specific symptoms that aren’t included in either list. That’s because it all depends on your individual susceptibility which is derived from many different factors like your family history or personal health experiences. Fortunately, it matters not what the source is for homeopathy to help you. We’re simply focused on the presenting signs and symptoms, as told by you and observed by your homeopath. Sure, knowing if it’s an allergy “attack” occurring in your life at the present time, or if you’ve “caught” a cold may help your homeopath distinguish between certain remedies that may help you, but it’s certainly not a deal-breaker. And I think that’s one of the great benefits of homeopathic medicine: treatment is individualized to the person, and not to the condition. There are truly innumerable different homeopathic remedies that could assist each person at any given time. The best approach is treating you “constitutionally” with a well-selected homeopathic remedy that addresses your unique health profile. Though, at times, we need to address the individual situation with specific acute homeopathic remedies, too. I hope this helps clear some confusion as to what you may be experiencing at the present time. As always, it’s important to let your homeopath know when you become ill so we can most readily help you before things progress or become worse. In good health, Noel
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Wow! What an experience!
I recently went through an illness and had to write about it. It’s a great illustration of the power of homeopathy and may even help you with your current symptoms! It all started on a Wednesday evening. I began a sickness we call “acute coryza,” which is referred to more conventionally as “the common cold.” Because we are all so individualized, we have our own specific symptoms of “the cold.” For me, it started with an irritated, warm, and somewhat raw throat. I could tell it was the beginning of something, but didn’t know to what effect. This same throat irritation lasted through Thursday. That night the congestion came, along with great amounts of sneezing. I had a really difficult time sleeping as I woke frequently unable to breathe and with a lot of sneezing. Friday morning I was a wreck! The main symptom I noticed was a very runny nose, with very thin and colorless mucus, to the point it was dripping from my nose like a faucet. How peculiar! Throughout Friday the runny nose symptoms were most pronounced and my head was beginning to feel entirely congested. The sneezing was violent! I would sneeze 3 or 4 times, but they would wrack my whole body. Another peculiar symptom I had was a lot of tearing from my eyes. It was very bland in sensation. I felt like I was crying most of the time, had a leaky faucet from my nose, and my head felt very thick and heavy. Saturday morning came and the best I could do was contemplate heading out for the Christmas shopping I intended for the day. I knew this was the best day for me to go, so I rallied for the energy to head out. As soon as I was outdoors, I felt remarkably better! The congestion lessened, my eyes didn’t tear as much, and the sneezing wasn’t as reactive. I wasn’t in the clear though, and my symptoms would all return with a vengeance upon going indoors. Before commencing my Christmas shopping, I took a remedy called “Allium Cepa.” This homeopathic remedy is made from a common garden onion. Like all homeopathic remedies, it is not the substance itself, but is prepared from it. Homeopathic healing follows the principle of “like treats like.” This means a substance capable of creating symptoms in a healthy person will cure those same symptoms in a sick person. For example, when you cut an onion, your eyes water and your nose runs. Those same symptoms created by the onion, will be cured in someone experiencing those same symptoms naturally. Therefore, Allium Cepa was the most similar substance that I could take to help me with my symptoms. I took my first dose at about noon that Saturday and immediately felt better. My nose was not dripping, my eyes weren’t tearing, and the sneezing subsided. The congestion remained, however. After about two hours, my symptoms were returning. I probably should have been resting to give my body time to heal, but with the Christmas season upon us, rest is hard to come by! I took another dose of the remedy and immediately felt better again. After another two hours, the symptoms were returning once again. So, I took another dose and, once again, felt immediately better. The late afternoon and evening time was the worst! I needed to take a dose about once every hour for about 4 doses total that evening. I went to bed and had the first restful night of sleep in over three days! There were no sneezing fits to wake me up, nor no runny faucet dripping from my nose! I woke up the next day with renewed energy, vastly reduced symptoms on all accounts, and an overall feeling of wellness and vitality again. What a remarkable remedy! I have not taken the remedy anymore since that day and have only slight congestion remaining. It’s been fairly moderate, so I haven’t taken a dose for that, but if I do, I’ll let you know how it goes. So, if you’re currently experiencing some allergic or sick feelings this time of year, perhaps Allium Cepa may be your choice. Here’s a quick summary of the symptomsAllium Cepa may help heal:
Please contact me for any questions. Sincerely, Noel |
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