Learn How To Tell The Difference Between Allergies And A Cold

We’re quickly storming out of flu season as the train chugs into pollen station, with plenty wondering if they have a lingering cold leftover from the colder months or if their allergies are already starting to play up. While they might be very different things, they certainly share a lot of the same symptoms.

From a stuffy nose to feeling uncomfortable and tired and everything in between, it’s important we learn how to tell the difference between allergies and a cold so we know how to treat it - and we don’t accidentally infect anyone else. The sooner we know what we’re dealing with, the sooner we can start to feel better.

What are allergies?

One of the most common allergies that comes at the start of the year are pollen allergies, often called allergic rhinitis. This is an allergic reaction to things in the air, such as dust or pollen, that can cause plenty of discomfort and irritation. People often feel like there is something in their throat, can’t stop sneezing, have itchy and watery eyes, and might even have a stuffy or runny nose. Of course, pollen allergies aren’t the only ones that cause issues, with others allergic to pets, scents, or other irritants around the home.

What is a common cold?

Plenty of us have suffered through at least one cold in our lives, but what exactly is it? It’s a type of viral infection that affects our throat and nose, which is why so many people have issues with their breathing while battling the illness. The most common symptoms to come from the common cold are a sore throat, coughing, a congested or runny nose, sneezing, and even a feeling of fatigue.

What are similar symptoms between allergies and a cold?

Having so many similar symptoms means it can actually be pretty easy to get allergies and a cold confused. After all, they both cause us to sneeze and feel irritation with our breathing. Allergies and a cold can also cause our noses to become congested or not stop running, with plenty feeling as though they need a constant supply of tissues by their side if they stand a chance of battling either.

What are the different symptoms between allergies and a cold?

Just because they are similar doesn’t mean that everything is the same when it comes to allergies and a cold. After all, they are two very different things. People who suffer from allergies, particularly pollen allergies, might find their eyes become incredibly itchy and watery when things start to flare up. This isn’t typically a sign that we have a cold. Catching a cold can also leave us with a fever and feeling fatigued. While some people feel tired when their allergies flare up, this usually disappears when we find relief.

How can we treat allergies?

Once you know what you’re looking for, you can start to treat whatever is plaguing your life. Treating allergies usually requires over-the-counter medication in the form of antihistamines, nasal sprays, eye washes, and all kinds of herbal treatments, depending on your needs. There are plenty of ways to take these, such as sprays or tablets. Of course, there are also several old remedies, such as eating local honey, that plenty of people swear by to help their allergies. Whatever the case, avoiding whatever causes an allergic reaction is usually the best thing you can do.

How can we treat a cold?

Sadly, our bodies often need nothing more than time and rest to recover from a cold. That doesn’t mean we have to accept everything that’s about to come our way over the next few days. There are several medications that can relieve our symptoms, such as decongestants and pain relief. It’s also important to get as much rest as possible and keep hydrated, with plenty of water and liquid foods like soup or warm broth offering fluids and potential relief from symptoms like a sore throat.

Learning how to tell the difference between allergies and a cold is the first step we need to get our lives back on track. After all, once we know what we’re looking for, we can start to give our bodies the relief they’re craving.