Is it a Cold, the Flu, or Just Allergies?

Winter time brings with it colds, flu and various viruses. There are also lots of flowering natives at this time in Brisbane that can cause allergic reactions.

So how do we know if it’s just allergies or you’ve got a cold, flu, or something else? 

Generally speaking, allergies will present with sneezing, itchy eyes/nose/throat, postnasal drip, cough, and fatigue caused by a histamine response to an allergen. As long as the allergen is present, these symptoms will continue. With a cold or flu, you may also see congestion, stuffy nose, cough, and fever. The fever is especially worse with the flu, accompanied by headache, body aches, and pain. Unlike allergies, colds, and flu which are treated in a timely fashion will usually be resolved within a week or two.

Reference: https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2014/10/cold-flu-or-allergy

From a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective, it’s important to note the patterns we are dealing with to ensure the best treatment plan with acupuncture and herbal medicine. For allergies, we will support lung qi to help reduce histamine reaction, inflammation, and irritation of the nasal passages, as well as support a robust immune system. For cold/flu viruses, for example, if we see sore throat, fever, yellow nasal mucus, and a phlegmy cough, there is heat that needs to be cleared. If there is white nasal mucus/cough expectorant, the focus is likely to be on damp accumulation. Herbal preparations will vary based on the presenting signs/symptoms.

I recommend acupressure, supplements and herbs that you can use at home, between acupuncture visits to help eradicate whatever ailment you are dealing with both quickly and completely. 

Acupressure:

For headache: large intestine 4; gallbladder 20

For nasal congestion: large intestine 20

For allergies: du 23

For fatigue: Stomach 36

For cough/chest congestion: ren 17, ren 22

For fever: large intestine 11, du14

Supplements:

For allergies – natural supplement including NAC, Quercetin, Bromelain, and Nettle to help reduce histamine reaction/inflammation. There is a loading dose for 1st 10 days then maintenance. 

For cold/flu – vitamin C, D, zinc, and additionally, a tea or broth made with green onion and fresh ginger at the onset of a cold/flu virus to reduce fever; Green tea steeped with oregano may help reduce headache, fever, and other cold/flu symptoms as they are thought to clear heat, dampness and release the exterior to send pathogens packing.

For coughs, Nin Jiom herbal cough syrup is ideal