With Spring right around the corner in Las Vegas, seasonal allergies will begin to plague many people. This tends to become a general question when you have been coughing, sneezing, have a runny nose, etc – Do you have a cold, is it allergies, is it something more serious? It can be hard to tell whether you are coming down with a cold because the symptoms it presents mirror many symptoms that accompany other illnesses. Before you go getting yourself worried sick – no pun intended – you should examine your symptoms to determine whether or not you should see a doctor. That is not to say that the tips given here are a replacement for a doctor – if you think that it maybe something more serious you should go to the ER right away.
Is your nose runny? If yes, what color is the mucus?
One of the first signs of a cold is a runny nose. If your nose will not stop running then it is quite likely that you have either a cold or an allergy. The color of the mucus also matters. If it is thin and clear there isn’t much to worry about – over the counter cold medication should help you get things under control. If, however, it is thick with a yellowish or greenish tint it is time to see your doctor because it is likely that you have an infection.
Are you sneezing all the time?
Sneezing is one of the first signs that you have a cold, usually the precursor to a runny nose. Depending on how bad your cold is sneezing can be quite tedious. If you feel that it is becoming too much for you to bear there are OTC medications that can calm it down.
Do you have itchy eyes and for how long?
Itchy eyes are normal when you have a cold or allergies but the thing to be careful about is how long they continue to itch. If your cold goes away and your eyes continue to itch then it is a sign that you may have an eye infection. Consult your doctor for proper diagnosis and medication.
Do you have a scratchy throat and a cough?
Do you have a cough that you cannot suppress? If it is accompanied by a runny nose, sneezing and the other symptoms that we have talked about already it is a sign that you have a cold or an allergy. If, however, it is not then you could be suffering something a bit more serious and you should see your doctor. You should also be worried if you have nighttime coughing that is accompanied by a fever – it could be a sign that you have TB.
Do you have a fever as well as aches and pains?
A normal cold or allergy should not cause much pain and fever but the flu does – your temperature will rise and fall constantly and your joints will hurt. Make sure to get your flu shots on a regular basis.
If you experience any of the above symptoms while staying on the Las Vegas Strip and feel you need urgent care without having to leave your hotel room, Las Vegas Strip Urgent Care doctors are immediately available 24 hours.
