An inhalant allergy can make you feel sick, but it will not make you sick. Symptoms similar to the common cold commonly develop from allergic rhinitis, also called hay fever, making it difficult to distinguish between the two conditions. If your symptoms develop quickly, you most likely are experiencing an allergic reaction because most symptoms from a viral infection form slowly over a day or two. Make an appointment with your doctor to determine which condition is causing symptoms.
Inhalant Allergy
An inhalant allergy is any substance that you breathe in that make the immune system hypersensitive. The most common airborne allergens include pollen, mold, pet dander and dust. If your immune system mistakes the substance as an intruder, it is considered an allergen. The body will create chemicals, including immunoglobulin E antibodies and histamine, which cause a wide range of symptoms that primarily affect your respiratory system, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. Inhalant allergy symptoms will develop as soon as your body is exposed to the allergen and subside once the allergen is removed.
Symptoms
Symptoms from an airborne allergy can make you feel sick because you can develop sinus congestion, watery eyes, red eyes, irritation in the throat and difficulty breathing. Common symptoms from allergic rhinitis include the inability to smell or taste, sneezing, itching in your nose, mouth or skin, sinus headaches, coughing, clogged ears, sore throat, fatigue, irritability, puffiness under the eyes and memory problems, according to PubMed Health. Symptoms from an allergy are typically treated by avoiding the allergen and the use of antihistamine medications.
Common Cold and Symptoms
The common cold occurs when one of more than 100 viruses enter your body and create upper-respiratory complications. While many symptoms are similar to inhalant allergies, a few symptoms only occur when you’re sick from a viral infection. Exclusive cold symptoms include a fever, body chills and aches and pains, according to MayoClinic.com. The common cold has no cure, aside from rest, drinking more fluids and implementing a bland food diet.
Consideration
Chronic inflammation caused by airborne allergens can lead to secondary infections in your chest, sinuses or ears. If you develop chest pain, dark-colored, thick mucus from your nose, drainage from your ears, ear pain or a fever, call your doctor. Preventing secondary infections from hay fever includes taking a daily antihistamine medication during hay fever season and avoiding all irritants.
