Ask a doctor - How do I tell the difference between allergies and a cold?

Distinguishing between allergies and a cold can sometimes be tricky as they share several symptoms However there are key differences that can help you identify which condition you might be dealing with Onset and Duration Allergies Symptoms often appear suddenly after exposure to an allergen such as pollen pet dander or dust and can last as long as you are exposed to the trigger Cold Symptoms tend to develop more gradually and typically improve within a week to ten days Symptoms Allergies Common symptoms include sneezing itchy or watery eyes clear nasal discharge and itchiness in the throat or ears Cold Symptoms might include sneezing a runny or stuffy nose with thicker mucus sore throat coughing and sometimes a mild fever Fever Allergies Generally allergies do not cause a fever If you have a fever it 39 s more likely to be due to a cold or another type of infection Body Aches and Fatigue Allergies These symptoms are not typical of allergies Allergies usually don 39 t cause body aches or extreme fatigue Cold Body aches and fatigue can be common with a cold especially during the initial days Pattern and Triggers Allergies Symptoms tend to recur seasonally or when exposed to specific allergens Cold Colds can happen at any time of the year and are often spread through contact with infected individuals Duration of Symptoms Allergies Symptoms can persist for as long as you 39 re exposed to the allergen but they generally do not worsen significantly Cold Symptoms often peak around the second or third day and gradually improve within a week If you 39 re unsure about whether you have allergies or a cold it 39 s a good idea to consult a medical professional They can provide a proper diagnosis based on your symptoms medical history and any necessary tests Keep in mind that while over-the-counter medications can provide relief for both allergies and colds it 39 s important to choose the right type of medication based on your specific symptoms and condition

Q. How do I tell the difference between allergies and a cold?

Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.

Answered by Seconmedic Expert

Distinguishing between allergies and a cold can sometimes be tricky, as they share several symptoms. However, there are key differences that can help you identify which condition you might be dealing with:

Onset and Duration:

Allergies: Symptoms often appear suddenly after exposure to an allergen (such as pollen, pet dander, or dust) and can last as long as you are exposed to the trigger.
Cold: Symptoms tend to develop more gradually and typically improve within a week to ten days.
Symptoms:

Allergies: Common symptoms include sneezing, itchy or watery eyes, clear nasal discharge, and itchiness in the throat or ears.
Cold: Symptoms might include sneezing, a runny or stuffy nose with thicker mucus, sore throat, coughing, and sometimes a mild fever.
Fever:

Allergies: Generally, allergies do not cause a fever. If you have a fever, it's more likely to be due to a cold or another type of infection.
Body Aches and Fatigue:

Allergies: These symptoms are not typical of allergies. Allergies usually don't cause body aches or extreme fatigue.
Cold: Body aches and fatigue can be common with a cold, especially during the initial days.
Pattern and Triggers:

Allergies: Symptoms tend to recur seasonally or when exposed to specific allergens.
Cold: Colds can happen at any time of the year and are often spread through contact with infected individuals.
Duration of Symptoms:

Allergies: Symptoms can persist for as long as you're exposed to the allergen, but they generally do not worsen significantly.
Cold: Symptoms often peak around the second or third day and gradually improve within a week.
If you're unsure about whether you have allergies or a cold, it's a good idea to consult a medical professional. They can provide a proper diagnosis based on your symptoms, medical history, and any necessary tests. Keep in mind that while over-the-counter medications can provide relief for both allergies and colds, it's important to choose the right type of medication based on your specific symptoms and condition.