how are a cold and allergies different?

Question

Do allergies go away in different environments?

Answer 1

Cold or allergies: Cold and allergy symptoms can be similar. Allergies tend to be chronic or recurrent and generally involve sneezing, itchy eyes, clear runny nose and/or nasal congestion. Cold symptoms usually involve less sneezing and itching and more congestion often with thicker or discolored mucous.

Answer 2

Good question: Some time it is hard to tell. In general, when you have a cold, someone else in the family or office often has one. A cold is often associated with a low-grade fever but allergy is not. You may also notice fatigue as well as joint or muscle ache with a cold but not with allergy. Hay fever may respond to antihistamine but a cold does not.

Answer 3

Cold tips: Sore throat – gargle with warm salt water (1/2 tsp salt in 8 oz of water). Get strep test/culture if very sore. Congestion – saline nose drops or netti pot. For anti-inflammatory effect & mobilizing mucus- homemade chicken noodle soup. Hydrate- lots of water/clear broth/ add honey & a small amt. of lemon juice to Chamomile tea. Fever/ pain – Acetaminophen / NSAID’s Rest!! Allergies - avoidance.

Answer 4

Sometimes difficult: but except in very severe cases of allergy, people don't lose appetite with allergy which is also not associated with a fever. Allergy may also be seasonal. Cold is more common when school starts and in the winter, allergy in the warmer months. Cold is not relieved by antihistamine which does reduce allergic symptoms. Hope these points are helpful.

Answer 5

Difficult: Alot of the symptoms of a cold and allergy overlap. However, allergy does not give a fever and cold will resolve within a week or so.

Answer 6

Cold and allergies: Colds usually come with systemic symptoms of body aches and low grade fever. With allergies you generaly feel well except for your nasal symptoms.

Answer 7

Cold vs. Allergies: A cold is caused by a virus and is transient. Allergic rhinitis presents with a variety of symptoms including congestion, running, itching (eyes and nose), and post-nasal drip that can be seasonal or year round. Triggers can be allergic (animal dander, pollen, dust mites) or non-allergic (strong scents/odors, cleaning products, weather changes). See an allergist for further workup and skin testing

Answer 8

Big differences: Colds are due to viruses and are contagious but limited to less than a week. Allergies typically have itching (nose, eye) and sneezing as common symptoms. Symptoms can continue through a pollen season or for months or years (if indoor allergies). Allergies response well to treatment with medications and allergy injections. An allergist can assist in identifying if there is an allergy.

how are a cold and allergies different?

Ask U.S. doctors your own question and get educational, text answers — it's anonymous and free!

90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more. Get help now:

Similar questions

What distinguishes a cold from allergies?

Do you have any suggestions for cold/allergies?

How can you tell the difference between a cold and allergies?

What are the symptoms of cold/allergies? Can you get these and not feel sick?

What are the differences between a cold and allergies?

Related questions

90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more. Get help now:

People also asked

Disclaimer:

Get the free app for Members

Get the free app for Doctors