Allergies vs. Cold: Understand the Difference
Know the difference between allergy symptoms and a common cold.
Am I suffering from allergies or a cold? Now that's a common question! There are a few similarities between allergies and a cold, so it can be difficult to figure out how to relieve your symptoms. Luckily, there are a few ways to identify which is which.
Throughout this page, you will find information about:
Start by comparing the most obvious symptoms.
Common allergy symptoms
Runny/stuffy nose and post-nasal drip
Itchy, red, and/or watery eyes
Sneezing
Coughing
Nasal congestion or sinus pressure
Hives, rash, or other types of skin irritation
Common cold symptoms
Runny/stuffy nose and post-nasal drip
Red and/or watery eyes
Sneezing
Coughing
Muscle aches and pains
Fatigue
Nasal congestion or sinus pressure
Fever
Although they can present as similar, it's useful to note the differences between allergy and cold symptoms. For instance, itchy, watery eyes or itchy nose or throat are typical allergy symptoms while coughing, fatigue, muscle aches, and fever usually signal a common cold.
Think about how quickly you experienced symptoms and how persistent they are.
Histamine is a chemical released by cells of the immune system when the body encounters an allergen. This causes an allergic reaction. Cold symptoms can take longer to fully develop.
Consider how long you’ve had symptoms.
Allergies are an immune system response that occurs because of exposure to allergens like pollen, dust, or pet dander.
In some people, substances such as pollen, certain foods, latex, mold, pet dander, dust mites or insect stings are allergens that trigger the production of antibodies called Immunoglobulin E (IgE). These antibodies travel to cells that release histamine, causing symptoms in the nose, throat, eye, sinuses, ears.
These symptoms can last throughout an entire season, or even year-round for some people.
In turn, colds are caused by viruses, and symptoms generally only last between three to ten days, although some may last as long as two or three weeks.
Take an even closer look at specific symptoms
Muscle aches
Probably a cold, not allergies.
Fever
Probably a cold, flu, or another more serious condition. Allergies don’t tend to cause a fever.
Itchy eyes
Redness and watery eyes could either be an allergy symptom or a cold, however, if your eyes itch, it typically indicates allergies.
Notice the color of your mucus
Clear and watery mucus is most likely due to allergies. If it’s thick and discolored, it’s can be a cold.
If you experience prolonged symptoms, make an appointment with your healthcare professional or allergist to ensure the right diagnosis.
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1. Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, Editors. What Are the Symptoms of an Allergy?, Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (aafa.org), 2015. Reviewed on Oct. 5, 2021.
2. Ron Eccles. Understanding the symptoms of the common cold and influenza, National Institute of Biotechnology Information (ncbi.nim.nih.gov/pmc), 2005. Reviewed on Oct. 5, 2021.
4. American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, Editors. Sudden Allergies: When a Summer cold is much more, American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (acaai.org), 2014. Reviewed on July 13, 2021.
5. American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, Editors. Allergic Reactions, American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (aaaai.org), September 28, 2020. Reviewed on Oct. 5, 2021.
6. Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Editors. Allergies and Hay Fever, Center for Disease Control and Prevention (cdc.gov), 2018. Reviewed on Oct. 5, 2021.
7. Pritish K Tosh, MD. Cold or Allergy: Which is it?, Mayo Clinic (mayoclinic.com), 2020. Reviewed on Oct. 5, 2021
Recommended Reading
Pet Allergies
Pet allergies are common. But they don’t have to stop you from sharing life with your fuzzy friends.
Seasonal Allergies
Allergy season is different for everyone. That’s because different kinds of outdoor allergens - or irritants - get distributed into the air.
