How To Tell If You Have Allergies Vs Cold Symptoms

As the seasons change, so does the risk of developing symptoms that mimic the common cold. It’s challenging to recognize the difference between allergies and a cold as a lot of the  symptoms overlap. However, understanding the key differences and similarities between these two conditions is crucial for effective management and treatment.

Continue reading to learn how to find out if you have allergies, how to tell the difference between allergies and a cold, as well as ways to determine which you’re experiencing.

Do I Have Allergies?

It’s difficult to tell if you’re suffering from allergies or cold symptoms, especially if you’re unaware of what allergens you’re sensitive to. Allergies are your body's immune system reacting to harmless substances it perceives as a threat, known as allergens. These include substances like pollen, pet dander, dust mites, mold spores, and certain foods. Allergies can be seasonal or year-round, depending on factors like the trigger, where you live, and the climate.

Common allergy symptoms include:

• Itchy eyes and nose
• Sneezing
• Clear, watery mucus
• Symptoms that last longer than 7 to 10 days

The best way to identify your allergies is by taking an allergy test. Consult your doctor or an allergist for guidance on whether to take a blood allergy test vs skin test. The less-invasive nature and high accuracy of blood allergy tests make them an ideal choice for most people.

Note: Not all home allergy tests are created equal. Use an at home allergy test that is analyzed by a CLIA-certified laboratory or consider going in for testing at a certified lab such as Quest or Labcorp.

Identifying Allergies vs Cold Symptoms

Allergies vs cold infections share some common symptoms, but they have distinct characteristics that set them apart. Understanding these differences can help you identify whether you're dealing with allergies or cold symptoms.

Causes of Allergies vs Cold

• Allergies: Allergic reactions occur when your immune system responds to harmless substances known as allergens. Allergies are not caused by viruses.
• Colds: Colds are viral infections, primarily caused by rhinoviruses. They are highly contagious and spread from person to person through respiratory droplets.

Onset and Duration of Allergies vs Cold

• Allergies: Allergy symptoms develop shortly after exposure to the allergen and will persist for as long as you are in contact with the trigger. Seasonal allergies, such as hay fever, tend to coincide with specific times of the year.
• Colds: Cold symptoms appear within a few days after exposure to the virus and typically last around one to two weeks. They can occur year-round but are more prevalent in colder months.

Learn More: How long do seasonal allergies last? Learn more plus how to treat your seasonal allergies for short-term and long-term relief.

Is Fever an Allergy or Cold Symptom?

• Allergies: Can allergies cause fever elevations? No. Allergies cannot directly cause a fever. If you have a fever, it's more likely to be related to an infection.
• Colds: Colds can cause a low-grade fever, particularly in children. Elevated body temperature is a common response to viral infections.

Itching

• Allergies: Itching, especially in the eyes, nose, throat, and even skin, is a common symptom of allergies. This persistent itching is less commonly associated with colds.
• Colds: While colds can occasionally cause an itchy or scratchy throat, it is usually milder and less prevalent compared to allergies.

Personal Triggers

• Allergies: If you have a known history of allergies to specific substances or if your symptoms consistently occur in response to particular triggers (e.g., springtime pollen), it is more likely to be allergies.
• Colds: Colds are often characterized by their sudden onset and may be more prevalent during times when viral infections are common in your community.

Mucus Characteristics of Cold vs Allergies

Unfortunately it's hard to differentiate mucus from a cold versus allergies. However if the color of your mucus changes, starts to have an odor, or you experience a funny or metallic taste in your mouth, that may be a sign of an infection

Your doctor or allergist will help you determine whether you have a cold vs allergies. Identifying which of these is causing your symptoms is vital to achieving quicker relief through efficient treatment.

The Difference Between Allergies and Cold Treatments

Due to their distinctly different underlying causes, there is a major difference between allergies and a cold when it comes to treatment. As always, it’s important to consult your doctor or allergist for medical guidance regarding cold or allergy treatment.

Treating a Cold

A cold is a virus, which means it can’t be effectively treated with antibiotics like some other illnesses. Unfortunately, most of the time you’ll just have to wait until the virus runs its course and your immune system is able to rid your system of it.

In the meantime, there are actions you can take to help manage cold symptoms:

1. Rest and hydration: Getting plenty of rest and staying hydrated are essential when you have a cold. Rest helps your body recover, and fluids keep you hydrated, aiding in mucus clearance.
2. Over-the-counter (OTC) medications: OTC cold remedies can help alleviate specific symptoms. Nasal decongestants, antihistamines, and throat lozenges can provide relief, but use them with caution and follow the recommended dosages. Over the counter oral decongestants such as phenylephrine are NOT effective.
3. Pain and fever relief: Pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help reduce fever and relieve aches and pains often experienced during a cold. You may also use equipment like a heating pad to provide comfort and soothe body aches.

Treating Allergies

1. Antihistamines: Over-the-counter or prescription antihistamines are commonly used to relieve allergy symptoms, including sneezing, itching, and runny nose, but are not the first line of treatment. When incorporating these short-term relief strategies, it’s vital to learn potential antihistamine side effects from prolonged use.
2. Nasal corticosteroids:  These are the first line medication for allergic and non-allergic rhinitis. These treatment options may help with how to treat brain fog from allergies as well as other allergy symptoms like nasal inflammation and congestion.
3. Immunotherapy: For severe or persistent allergies, allergy immunotherapy options like allergy shots (subcutaneous immunotherapy) or under the tongue allergy drops (sublingual immunotherapy) may be prescribed by an allergist. These treatments can help desensitize the immune system to specific allergens over time.

It's important to note that while a cold vs allergies share some overlapping symptoms, treating the underlying cause is crucial for effective relief. Choosing the appropriate treatment depends on accurately identifying whether you have a viral infection (cold) or an allergic reaction.

Distinguishing between allergies vs cold symptoms can be challenging, but paying attention to timing, fever, mucus characteristics, and personal triggers can help you identify the source of your condition. Proper identification is essential for effective treatment and relief. Consult your doctor or allergist to ensure accurate diagnosis and management.