How can we distinguish the symptoms of an allergy from those of a respiratory infection? The symptom not found in allergies. Dr. Cristian Oancea: They can be confused

It can be difficult to tell the difference between respiratory infections and allergies. Dr. Cristian Oancea, specialist in pulmonology, gives us a clear perspective on this aspect.

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First of all, Dr. Oancea emphasizes the importance of differentiating between the symptoms of allergic rhinitis and those of respiratory infections. Allergic rhinitis is characterized by nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, sore throat, headaches and even migraines. These symptoms can be confused with those of a respiratory infection, but the absence of fever is an important indicator of allergies. Respiratory allergies do not cause an increase in body temperature, unlike respiratory infections.

“Most of the time, the onset of respiratory allergies can be confused with respiratory infections. Here we must differentiate the symptoms of allergic rhinitis (which occur at the upper respiratory level) and allergic bronchial asthma (whose inflammation is dominant at the lower respiratory level) from the symptoms of respiratory infections (especially viral ones). A symptom that is not found in respiratory allergies is fever! Regardless of whether the patient has allergic rhinitis or bronchial asthma, fever is a symptom that helps us quickly differentiate an allergic crisis from a respiratory infection”, explained Dr. Cristian Oancea, exclusively for DC Medical.

Dr. Oancea also highlights the specific aspects of respiratory infections, such as myalgias and arthralgias (muscle and joint pain), which are absent in allergies. Also, the cough phenomenon is different: in a respiratory infection, the cough can be muco-purulent, unlike in allergies, where the cough is dry, without sputum.

“Also, myalgias and arthralgias (muscle and joint pains) are specific to respiratory infection and not to allergies. Regarding the cough phenomenon, in the respiratory infection the cough can be muco-purulent compared to the allergy where the cough is dry, without sputum.

Otherwise, symptoms such as nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, sore throat, headache, certain migraine states, dyspnea (heavy breathing sensation), weezing (wheezing), chest constriction sensation can occur in both entities”, we- the doctor also said.

It is essential to realize the differences between the symptoms of allergies and those of respiratory infections in order to be able to provide appropriate and effective treatment. Dr. Oancea warns that an asthma attack can easily be confused with a respiratory infection, and incorrect treatment can worsen the patient’s condition. Appropriate treatment for asthma involves the use of inhaled corticosteroids and long-term bronchodilators, which are essential for symptom control.

“An asthmatic crisis can easily mimic a respiratory infection and, if you are not careful with symptomatic treatment or antibiotic therapy, they do not bring any relief to the asthmatic crisis, where the basic treatment is inhaled corticotherapy (or systemic in moderate/severe crises), associated with the bronchodilator long term.

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Along with exposure to allergens, sneezing in salve and nasal itching can represent specific allergy symptoms”, explained Dr. Cristian Oancea.

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