Cold or allergy: Which is it?
If you tend to get "colds" that develop suddenly and occur at the same time every year, it's possible that you actually have seasonal allergies. Although colds and seasonal allergies may share some of the same symptoms, they are very different diseases.
Common colds are caused by viruses, while seasonal allergies are immune system responses triggered by exposure to allergens, such as seasonal tree or grass pollens.
Treatment of a common cold may include rest, pain relievers and over-the-counter cold remedies, such as decongestants. A cold usually lasts three to 10 days, although some may last as long as two or three weeks.
Treatment of seasonal allergies may include over-the-counter or prescription antihistamines, nasal steroid sprays and decongestants, and avoidance of exposure to allergens where possible. Seasonal allergies may last several weeks.
| Symptom | Cold | Allergy |
|---|---|---|
| Cough | Usually | Sometimes |
| General aches and pains | Sometimes | Never |
| Fatigue and weakness | Sometimes | Sometimes |
| Itchy eyes | Rarely | Usually |
| Sneezing | Usually | Usually |
| Sore throat | Usually | Rarely |
| Runny nose | Usually | Usually |
| Stuffy nose | Usually | Usually |
| Fever | Sometimes | Never |
