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How to Tell the Difference Between Cold and Allergy Symptoms

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How to Tell the Difference Between Cold and Allergy Symptoms

You wake up with a cough, congestion and a runny nose. It looks like—and feels like—you caught a dreaded cold. But don’t be too quick to come to the conclusion. You could have allergies. Unfortunately, it’s hard to tell one from the other. Cooper Clinic Preventive Medicine Physician, Riva Rahl, MD, answers common questions on these not-so-fun conditions.

What is a cold?
A cold is an upper respiratory infection, typically caused by a virus such as adenovirus. Symptoms include rhinorrhea (runny nose), cough, low-grade or true fever, stuffiness, sore throat, sometimes headache and muscle aches and pains.

What are allergies?
Allergies are a person’s response to allergens such as dust, grass, pollen, mold, pets or other environmental allergens. These include rhinorrhea, rhinitis (inflammation of the nasal passageways), post nasal drip, itchy/watery eyes (conjunctivitis) and sneezing.

What are similarities in symptoms for both?
Both usually produce slight cough, nasal drainage and a feeling of malaise or slight fatigue.

What are the significant differences in symptoms for both?
If you have runny nose and watery eyes, but no aches or fever at all, you probably have allergies. Typically allergy symptoms are seasonal, depending upon the trigger (in Dallas, it is often during the fall and spring). Also, if the symptoms last longer than two weeks, it is more likely to be allergies. People with a cold often have yellow or green nasal discharge as opposed to clear discharge with allergies.
 
What are preventive steps for both?
Allergies—If you know you have allergy symptoms at a specific time of year, you would be wise to start treatment (whether it is nasal saline irrigation, over the counter anti-histamines or prescription medication) just prior to the time when symptoms typically start. Avoid triggers such as being outdoors when the pollen or mold counts are high. Avoid food or environmental triggers, such as pets, if possible. Some individuals may also reduce indoor allergens through use of hardwood floors instead of carpets/rugs or mattress covers. 

Colds—Preventive steps include washing your hands and avoid touching hands to face if you haven’t recently washed hands. Wash your hands after touching doorknobs and other surfaces in public areas, particularly during the wintertime when cold viruses seem to be more prevalent. Get plenty of physical activity without overdoing it (generally five days a week for 30 minutes each day), stay well-hydrated and consider taking a multivitamin if you are unable to consistently eat a well-balanced diet.

Next time you feel a fever or a sneeze coming along, make sure you use the correct treatments and take the recommended preventive steps to avoid symptoms in the future.

For more information on Cooper Clinic, please click here or call 972.560.2667.