Understanding Cold vs. Allergy Symptoms: How to Tell the Difference

It’s all too easy to confuse a cold with seasonal allergies, especially when dealing with symptoms like sneezing, a runny nose and congestion. But knowing whether you’re dealing with a cold or an allergy can help you get the right treatment and feel better sooner. Let’s look at how you can tell the difference and what treatments work best for each.

Recognizing the Symptoms: Cold or Allergy?

Although colds and allergies have some overlapping symptoms, there are subtle clues that can help you figure out which one you’re dealing with:

• Cold symptoms. Colds often leave you with a sore throat, cough, nasal congestion, body aches, fatigue and sometimes a mild fever. Colds typically come on slowly and last around 7–10 days.
• Allergy symptoms. Allergies are caused by your immune system reacting to substances like pollen, dust or pet dander. Unlike colds, allergies tend to appear more suddenly and are persistent as long as you’re exposed to the allergen. Allergy symptoms vary depending on the type of allergy, but they often include itchy eyes, sneezing, congestion and hives.

Treatment Options: Managing Colds and Allergies

Once you’ve got a better idea of what’s causing your symptoms, you can consider treatment options, including:

• Treating a cold. Unfortunately, there’s no cure for the common cold. But you can relieve symptoms by getting plenty of rest, drinking fluids to stay hydrated, using over-the-counter medications like decongestants and gargling with salt water.
• Allergy treatment options. For allergies, it’s essential to avoid the trigger if possible. For example, avoid Riverfront Park on high-pollen days if you’re allergic to pollen. In addition to allergen avoidance, treatment options like medication and immunotherapy can provide relief. If you’re feeling unsure of your options, one of our allergy specialists can help you find the right treatment to suit your needs.

When to Seek Help

Sometimes, cold or allergy symptoms can worsen even with the best home treatments. If your cold lingers beyond two weeks or you experience frequent allergy symptoms that don’t respond to over-the-counter medication, it may be time to see an ENT or allergy expert. Contact Willamette ENT & Facial Plastic Surgery today to schedule an appointment with one of our trusted specialists.

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