Is it the Common Cold or Seasonal Allergies?

Is it the Common Cold or Seasonal Allergies?

As I sit here writing this I wonder myself since I woke up this morning with an irritated throat, but no other major symptoms…yet…

Colds and seasonal allergies are different even though they share some of the same symptoms. Hopefully, the following will shed some light on both, so you can decide for yourself when the occasion arises.

Allergies typically have a quick onset and decrease quickly once the allergen (the substance you are allergic to) is removed. The common cold comes on slowly and progressively worsens. This is probably one of the most important distinctions since colds do not last longer than 14 days. Symptoms lasting longer may be allergy symptoms.

The common cold is caused by viruses, while seasonal allergies are our immune system responding to exposure to an allergen (i.e. mold, pollen, dust mites, animal dander, etc). The viruses that cause colds are contagious, whereas allergies are not contagious.

The following chart comes from MayoClinic.com to show the differences in symptoms for a cold vs. an allergy:

Symptom                                           Cold                                        Allergy

Cough                                                usually                                    sometimes

General aches/pains                           sometimes                              never

Fatigue                                               sometimes                              sometimes

Itchy eyes                                           rarely                                     usually

Sneezing                                            usually                                    usually

Sore throat                                         usually                                    sometimes

Runny nose                                        usually (yellow mucus)         usually (clear)

Stuffy nose                                         usually                                   usually

Fever                                                  rarely                                      never

There is no cure for either, but there are ways to help ease symptoms. Treatment for the common cold always includes getting plenty of rest and drinking fluids. Over-the counter remedies i.e. analgesics, and decongestants may help. Try to target approach the symptoms and be aware of multi-symptom medication. These are usually recommended only if you present with at least 3 of the symptoms listed on the product. Seasonal allergies are best prevented by non-exposure to allergens, but often times this is not possible. Antihistamines block histamine which is released when someone has a cold or allergies, and causes symptoms such as nasal congestion and a runny nose. Prescription steroid nasal sprays help relieve swelling in nasal passages. Nasal decongestants also may help.

I hope you are feeling well reading this, but if not, maybe it will help…..Bob just woke up, and said he has a scratchy, irritated throat---I think we both might be getting a cold!!!