Do You Have a Cold or an Allergy?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that most adults will have two to three colds every year and children generally have several as well. However, allergies are even more common. According to the latest statistics, at least 50 million people across the country deal with some type of allergy.

For many people, the symptoms of allergies and the symptoms of colds are similar. It may seem daunting to try and figure out which one you are suffering from. The truth is that if you are not sure then you should contact an immunologist and allergist to find out for sure what you are dealing with. You can also read on to learn a few tips that can help you figure out what you are dealing with.

The difference between symptoms

One of the easiest ways to tell what you are dealing with is to consider what type of symptoms you are experiencing. Itchy and watery eyes are much more common when the culprit is an allergy, while fevers can accompany colds but are not symptoms of allergies. Body aches are common with colds but do not happen with allergies, and while allergy suffers often develop eczema, cold sufferers will not.

Some symptoms can show up with either issue. For example, sore throats can be a sign of an allergy but they are more commonly experienced with a cold. Other symptoms that can happen with either condition include runny nose, sneezing, coughing, congested nasal passages, post-nasal drip, and conjunctivitis.

The difference between duration and the presence of symptoms

In most cases, there is a big difference in the amount of time each lasts. A cold will typically last for a week to ten days. However, allergy symptoms can last for weeks. Another thing to look for is when the symptoms occur. For example, if you notice that the symptoms are particularly bad around pets or when people are smoking, then it is likely an allergy rather than a cold.

Consider as well how quickly the symptoms showed up. If they seem to have come out of nowhere then they are more likely caused by allergies. On the other hand, a cold will typically develop over a day or two. It starts with just an itch in the throat or the sniffles and gradually gets worse.

The treatment for colds and allergies are very different

Though you will find medications at your local pharmacy that claim to offer relief from both allergies and colds, the truth is that it is best to be treated specifically for what you are dealing with. Cold treatments involve resting, staying hydrated, and taking medications that can help lessen symptoms. Allergy treatments are often of the preventative variety.

If you have been experiencing cold-like symptoms for more than ten days then there is a good chance that something else is going on. To find out how we can help, contact Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Medical Group at 805-658-9500.