Itchy eyes and repeated sneezing suggest allergy; fever and body aches are more common in infection.
Both can cause a runny or blocked nose. Allergy usually involves itchy eyes or nose, sneezing and a link to a trigger, without fever. Severe, prolonged symptoms or breathlessness need assessment; one symptom alone cannot establish a diagnosis.
Medical principle
Breathing symptoms can result from infection, allergy, asthma, heart problems or environmental factors. Onset, triggers, fever, wheezing and limits on activity are important to assessment.
Practical steps that may help
- Avoid smoke and known triggers and maintain adequate ventilation.
- Practise correct inhaler technique with a doctor or pharmacist; incorrect technique reduces treatment benefit.
- Record cough duration, fever, sputum, wheezing and links with seasons or surroundings.
When should you seek medical care?
Severe or sudden breathlessness, blue colouring, inability to speak a full sentence, chest pain, coughing blood or reduced awareness require an immediate call to local emergency services.
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