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Allergies vs. Cold: Understand the Difference
Know the difference between an allergy and a cold.
There are some similarities between allergies and the common cold, so it can be difficult to figure out how to relieve your symptoms. But there are a few ways to identify which is which.
Start by comparing the most obvious symptoms.
Common allergy symptoms 1
- Runny/stuffy nose
- Itchy, red, and/or watery eyes+
- Sneezing
- Coughing+
- Nasal congestion or sinus pressure+
- Hives, rash, or other types of skin irritation+
Common cold symptoms 2
- Runny/stuffy nose
- Watery eyes
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Muscle aches and pains
- Nasal congestion or sinus pressure
- Fever or chills
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, muscle aches, and fever or chills usually signal a cold.
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. 5
These symptoms can last throughout a season, or even year around for some people. 4 In fact, 19.2 million Americans aged 18 and older were diagnosed with hay fever in 2018. 6
In turn, colds are caused by viruses, and symptoms generally last three to ten days. 7
Muscle aches
Probably a cold, not allergies.
Fever or chills
Probably a cold, flu, or another more serious condition. Allergies don’t cause a fever.
Itchy eyes
Watery eyes could be either allergies or a cold. But 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 probably 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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References
- Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, Editors. What Are the Symptoms of an Allergy?, Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (aafa.org),2015.
Oct. 5, 2021.
- Ron Eccles. Understanding the symptoms of the common cold and influenza, National Institute of Biotechnology Information (ncbi.nim.nih.gov/pmc),
2005. Oct. 5, 2021.
- American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, Editors. Histamine, American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (aaaai.org),
2021. Oct. 5, 2021.
- 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. July 13, 2021.
- American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, Editors. Allergic Reactions, American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (aaaai.org),
September 28, 2020. Oct. 5, 2021.
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Editors. Allergies and Hay Fever, Center for Disease Control and Prevention (cdc.gov),
2018. Oct. 5, 2021.
- Pritish K Tosh, MD. Cold or Allergy: Which is it?, Mayo Clinic (mayoclinic.com),
2020. Oct. 5, 2021
Read full directions and warnings.
*Among OTC oral antihistamines.
†Starts working in one hour. Applies to first dose only. Among single-ingredient OTC branded oral antihistamines.
+Allegra is not indicated to relieve coughing, hives or rash, skin irritation, or red eyes. Allegra is indicated to relieve sneezing, runny nose, itchy, watery eyes or an itchy nose or throat. Allegra-D is indicated to relieve sneezing, runny nose, itchy, watery eyes, itchy nose or throat, nasal congestion, sinus congestion and pressure, and swelling of nasal passages.