It can be difficult to distinguish between cold and allergy symptoms, but there are key differences. Cold symptoms usually resolve within a week, while allergy symptoms persist for weeks or months. Allergy symptoms include a runny and itchy nose, watery eyes, and respiratory obstruction, but no fever. A doctor can help determine the cause and treatment plan. If symptoms include a high fever or difficulty breathing, seek medical attention.
Colds and allergies often have similar symptoms, which can make it difficult to determine why someone isn’t feeling well. There are a few key differences between allergy symptoms and cold symptoms that can help people narrow down the cause of ill health more quickly and receive the most appropriate treatment. Either way, if someone develops a very high fever or difficulty breathing, they should be taken to a hospital for medical attention to address the situation.
In the case of a cold, symptoms emerge within three days of exposure. An itchy, tight feeling at the back of the nose is common, along with sneezing, coughing, a runny nose, and sometimes watery eyes. Many people also feel tired or listless and may develop a low-grade fever. Within four days to a week, symptoms usually resolve on their own, though drinking plenty of fluids and staying warm can help patients recover more quickly. If cold symptoms last longer than a week, this may be an indicator that the patient is experiencing more serious problems such as seasonal allergies.
Allergy symptoms emerge within minutes to hours of exposure and will not disappear until the allergen and patient are separated. Depending on the type of allergic reaction that occurs, people may experience a range of symptoms. Anaphylaxis and hives, two symptoms of severe allergies, aren’t usually confused with the common cold, but seasonal allergies or dust allergies can look like a cold at first.
Seasonal allergy symptoms include runny and itchy nose, watery eyes, respiratory obstruction, sneezing, coughing, and feeling tired. Allergy symptoms usually don’t include a fever, which can distinguish them from a cold. Because seasonal allergies are caused by the environment, symptoms persist for weeks or months, and in the case of allergies to mold, dust, and substances inside a home, the symptoms will become chronic until the situation is addressed.
If people develop these symptoms with the change of seasons, moving to a new home or workplace, or another change in their environment, they are likely allergy symptoms. A doctor can help the patient narrow down the cause of the allergies and determine the best treatment plan to adopt. When these symptoms emerge during the winter, or soon after attending a large event with lots of people, they are more likely cold symptoms, in which case they will resolve on their own.
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