Spring-Summer Allergy Season Peaks: Doctors Teach How to Distinguish from Colds

As the seasons shift, Taiwan is experiencing a surge in allergic rhinitis, a condition many locals confuse with the common cold. Liberty Times is highlighting this common ailment, emphasizing the crucial differences that medical professionals are urging the public to recognize. Dr. Pu Pai-jui of Taichung Veterans General Hospital's Chiayi Branch points out that while colds often come with fever, sore throat, and fatigue, accompanied by thick, yellowish-green mucus, allergic rhinitis presents with a distinct set of symptoms: incessant sneezing, a clear runny nose, and itchy eyes and nose. Colds typically resolve within a week, whereas allergic symptoms can linger for weeks or even an entire season.

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Spring and summer transitions are peak seasons for allergic rhinitis, and many people mistake allergies for the common cold.

The case of Mr. Lin, a 35-year-old who developed severe allergy symptoms after moving into a new home, underscores the environmental triggers. Increased humidity during the "south wind days" of late spring and early summer fostered a breeding ground for dust mites and mold, igniting his latent allergic rhinitis. His experience, which improved with medication, serves as a stark reminder of how our surroundings can impact our health, especially in Taiwan's subtropical climate.

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Colds are usually accompanied by fever, sore throat, and general fatigue, with nasal discharge that is thick and yellowish-green, and they typically improve within a week.

Globally, 10 to 30 percent of the population suffers from allergic rhinitis, but it is particularly prevalent in Taiwan. Left untreated, it can lead to nasal congestion, poor sleep quality, and even asthma. Liberty Times stresses the importance of managing symptoms and preventing recurrence through environmental control. This includes regular high-temperature washing of bedding, using mite-proof products, and minimizing plush items. During pollen season, wearing masks and using dehumidifiers and HEPA air purifiers to maintain dry indoor conditions are recommended. The article concludes by urging individuals experiencing the key symptoms of clear runny nose, sneezing, and itching for over two weeks to seek medical advice promptly to avoid more severe health issues like sinusitis or asthma.

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Allergic rhinitis is characterized by a clear runny nose, continuous sneezing, and itchy eyes and nose, with symptoms often lasting for weeks or even the entire season.