Colds are caused by viruses--organisms that infect the body and cause the immune system to attack the invading virus. Allergies, although also an immune response, are caused by small particles of normal items in the environment, such as pollen or mold, that are attacked by the body when the immune system overreacts.
Basic Symptoms
Colds and allergies are so difficult to discern, because they both begin with nearly the same symptoms: cough, sneezing, watery eyes, possible headache and runny or stuffy nose. Colds typically last for one to two weeks, whereas allergy symptoms last as long as the offending allergen is present (or sometimes a bit longer). This can be days, weeks (as with hay fever symptoms) or even months.
Identifying Distinctions
A few key symptoms can correctly identify a cold or allergy. A clear runny nose that changes to thick or colored discharge after a few days indicates an infection, often viral but possibly bacterial in origin. Similarly, a fever is never associated with a pure allergic reaction but may occur during a cold's progression. In addition, aches and body fatigue almost never occur with allergy but may occur with a cold. Although eyes may be watery with either cold or allergy as a result of nasal symptoms, only allergy causes eyes to itch as a histamine-induced reaction to an allergen. Finally, progression of cough from a dry or hacking type to a more productive or wet cough may indicate a cold or more extended infection rather than an allergy.
Overlapping Concerns
Often, colds and allergies cannot be correctly identified because the colds recur frequently enough to appear continuous, especially during winter months. At times, especially in people with chronic allergies, the symptoms can overlap, be more severe or last longer, and the allergen can be difficult to identify. Treatment of either cold or allergy, although seemingly straightforward, can be complicated by changing or overlapping symptoms and by the wide array of products available.
Treatment for Both Causes
A simple, over-the-counter treatment method that covers both cold or allergy cause of symptoms may include the following options: pain medications like ibuprofen for headaches, decongestants like psuedoephedrine for stuffy noses and warm compresses for swollen nasal passages or eyes. Fevers associated with colds can be relieved with acetaminophen (Tylenol) products. Conversely, antihistamine medications, which reduce the body's reaction to an allergic substance and which tend to dry up nasal and tear duct areas, are not useful for colds but can be a key treatment for allergy relief. However, all remedies should be checked with a doctor before they are used.
Sources:
Mayo Clinic Health. Cold or Allergy: Which Is It?
DrGreene.com. Difference Between Cold and Allergy
Nicole Van Hoey - Trained as a pharmacist, Nicole has enjoyed providing drug and health information to many patients through work and now attempts to ...
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