How to tell the difference between allergies and a cold

If you have a runny or blocked nose, a cough, or sneezing, you may automatically associate your symptoms with a cold. But you may not know that allergies can also cause these symptoms. How you manage these conditions can vary, so it’s important to know which is affecting you.

While many symptoms may be similar, there are some differences. You may also consider how long your symptoms last and what time of year you notice them — viruses that cause colds are more likely to occur in winter, while some allergies flare up in the summer. Consider speaking with a doctor for an accurate diagnosis.

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What are allergies?

Allergies happen when your immune system reacts to something in your environment that’s usually harmless, such as pollen, pet dander, mold, or dust mites. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 31.8% of adults in the United States have an allergy, and 25.7% have a seasonal allergy like hay fever.

Experts don’t know exactly why some people have allergies, but they suspect it’s due to genetics. What’s more, if you have allergies, you’re also more likely to experience asthma and eczema.

When you come into contact with an allergen, your body releases chemicals like histamine, which is what causes the hallmark symptoms of an allergic reaction. These symptoms include:

• sneezing
• a runny nose
• a blocked nose
• itchy skin or eyes
• coughing

Allergy treatments

The main advice for managing allergies involves avoiding the allergen. If you have a pollen allergy, commonly known as hay fever, experts may advise you to stay inside when pollen counts are high. However, avoiding allergens isn’t always possible.

Because of the large role histamine plays in allergic reactions, the primary treatment for allergies is antihistamines — medications that block the action of histamine in your body, thus reducing your symptoms. These are commonly available over the counter (OTC) and include:

• loratadine (Claritin)
• fexofenadine (Allegra)
• diphenhydramine (Benadryl)

You may also consider OTC decongestants like pseudoephedrine (Sudafed). These can help reduce congestion in your nose, but they might also cause uncomfortable side effects like insomnia and headaches. It’s important not to take them for longer than 3 days unless instructed by a healthcare professional.

A prescription treatment for allergies is nasal corticosteroids. You can take these alone or alongside oral antihistamines. They work by reducing inflammation in your nasal passageways. Examples include:

• fluticasone (Flonase)
• budesonide (Rhinocort)
• triamcinolone (Nasacort)

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What are colds?

The common cold is an illness caused by a group of viruses. It affects your respiratory system, which includes your lungs and your airways. It’s most often associated with winter and cold weather, but you can get a cold at any time of year. According to the CDC, most adults get two to three colds annually.

The most common symptoms of a cold include:

• a runny nose
• a blocked nose
• fever
• sneezing
• body aches
• a sore throat
• coughing

Colds usually last for less than a week before resolving.

Cold treatments

Colds go away on their own with time, and there’s no cure for a cold. The main aim of treatment is to reduce symptoms while you recover.

Some OTC pain relievers, such as ibuprofen (Advil) and acetaminophen (Tylenol), can help relieve headaches and fevers associated with colds. As with allergies, decongestants like pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) might help with a stuffy nose.

The main recommendations for colds involve self-care strategies to help you feel better. These include:

• getting plenty of rest
• staying hydrated
• breathing in steam from a shower or a bowl of hot water
• trying honey to soothe a sore throat and cough

Allergies vs. colds: Key differences

Allergies and colds have many similarities. They can both crop up at any time of year and cause sneezing, congestion, and coughing. But there are many differences to look out for so you know what’s causing your symptoms:

• Symptoms: While some symptoms are similar, they two have some differences. Allergies are more likely to cause itching of your skin and eyes, whereas colds often involve fevers, fatigue, and muscle aches.
• Causes: Allergies are due to a response to an allergen like pollen or pet dander. Colds are caused by a virus transmitted from person to person. If your symptoms appear after being outside around pollen, you likely have allergies. If you notice them after being around someone with a cold, it’s likely you also have a cold.
• Duration: You’ll likely notice allergy symptoms on and off whenever you’re in contact with an allergen. Colds, however, will typically get better after around a week.
• Time of year: Seasonal allergies, in particular, generally happen in spring or summer. Colds or viruses that cause cold symptoms are more likely to occur in winter. However, either may happen at any time of year.
• Treatments: You can manage allergies with OTC antihistamines and, occasionally, nasal steroids. You can also manage colds with OTC medications like ibuprofen, but self-care remedies are common.

Speaking with a doctor

If you’re unsure what’s affecting you, it may be a good idea to speak with a doctor, who will be able to evaluate your symptoms and advise on the best treatment plan. You should also seek medical care if you have signs of a respiratory illness accompanied by:

• shortness of breath
• dehydration
• fever lasting longer than 4 days
• symptoms lasting longer than 10 days
• symptoms that improve, then return or worsen

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Summary

Allergies and colds can cause similar symptoms affecting your respiratory system, such as sneezing and congestion. However, these conditions have many differences, and it’s important to know what’s affecting you so you can seek the proper treatment.

Allergies are more likely to cause itching, whereas colds involve fevers and aches. You can also consider how long your symptoms last and the time of year that you notice them. If in doubt, consider speaking with a healthcare professional for evaluation.

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