Have you experienced having a runny nose, sneezing spells and congestion? Maybe, this is something not unusual for some of us. But then, it will make you think if you are having a cold or an allergic rhinitis. The two conditions may present similar symptoms but requires different treatment and so, distinguishing one from the other plays a vital role.
How can we know if it’s a cold or an allergy?
It’s often hard to tell if a person is having a cold or an allergy but there are some information that can help.
- Their causes...
The causes of colds and allergies are different. Cold is caused by different kinds of viruses. Allergic Rhinitis on the other hand, is caused by different allergens such as smoke, dust, cosmetics, animal hair, molds and pollen.
- Their symptoms...
Characteristic |
Cold |
Allergy |
Duration |
three-14 days |
Days to months -- as long as you are exposed to the allergen |
Time of Year |
Most often during the cold weather, but possible at any time |
Any time of the year -- although the appearance of some allergens are seasonal |
Onset of symptoms |
Symptoms take a few days to appear after infection with the virus. |
Symptoms can begin immediately after exposure to the allergen |
Cough |
Often |
Sometimes |
Aches |
Sometimes |
Never |
Fatigue |
Sometimes |
Sometimes |
Fever |
Rarely |
Never |
Itchy, watery eyes |
Rarely |
Often |
Sore throat |
Often |
Sometimes |
Runny or stuffy nose |
Often; usually yellow mucus |
Often; usually clear mucus |
Mucus |
Often a yellowish nasal discharge is due to an infection. |
Generally a clear, thin, watery discharge. |
Sneezing |
Less common than with allergies. |
More common than with colds, especially when sneezing occurs two or three times in a row. |
The most important difference is said to be colds don't last longer than 14 days. So,if you still have symptoms after two weeks, these may be considered allergy symptoms.
How can we prevent ourselves from having Cold and Allergy?
COLDS
Handwashing is an effective way of preventing colds. It prevents having the infection which is usually transferred through hand contact with an infected person to another.
Keep distance from people who have colds.
To protect others, always cover mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing.
ALLERGIC RHINITIS
Allergic rhinitis can be prevented by avoiding allergens like pollen, mold, animal dander, dust mites and cockroaches. Control of the environment to eliminate or minimize the allergen is also important.
How to treat cold and allergy?
Treatment of cold and allergy is also different. During a cold, oral or nasal decongestants may be used. Water intake is also very important. If the cold lasts for more than 7 days, consult your physician. Antibiotics may sometimes be prescribed if there is a superimposed bacterial infection.
For allergic rhinitis, antihistamines are effective to help relieve runny nose, sneezing, nasal itching, and watery, itchy eyes. If the symptoms still persist, it is still best to consult a doctor for possible nasal steroid use or immunotherapy.
References:
http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/cold-guide/common-cold-or-allergy-symptoms?page=2
http://medforallergy.com/index.php/allergies-and-asthma/allergic-rhinitis-vs-the-common-cold
http://www.google.com.ph
Disclaimer: The information included on this site is for educational purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice.
