Is it a cold or an allergy? Learn to tell the difference
Learn how your immune system works and why some substances trigger symptoms that negatively affect your quality of life.
When the seasons change, many people begin to sneeze, get runny noses or itchy eyes. But how can you tell if these symptoms are due to a common cold or an allergic reaction? Although they share some symptoms, their cause and treatment are very different. Probelte Pharma is here to help you identify each of them correctly.
Key differences between colds and allergies
When the seasons change, many people start to sneeze or get itchy eyes. But how can you tell if these symptoms are due to a common cold or an allergic reaction? Although they share some symptoms, their cause and treatment are very different. Probelte Pharma is here to help you identify each of them correctly so you can act accordingly.
| Features | Common cold | Respiratory allergy |
|---|---|---|
| Cause | Virus (rhinovirus, coronavirus, etc.) | Allergens (pollen, house dust mites, animal epithelia, etc.) |
| Duration | 5-10 days | Weeks or months if there is continuous exposure |
| Fever | May appear (slight fever) | Rarely present |
| Nasal discharge | Thick, yellow or greenish | Transparent, watery |
| Sneezing | Common, but less severe | Very common, in "bursts" |
| Itchiness (eyes/nose/throat) | Uncommon | Very common |
| Body pain | You may feel generally unwell | Rare |
| Conjunctivitis | Uncommon | Common (red eyes/tearing) |
| Start of symptoms | Gradual (1-3 days) | Sudden, even immediate |
| Time of year | More common in autumn/winter | Depends on the allergen (spring, summer or autumn) |
Key differences between colds and allergies
When the seasons change, many people start to sneeze or get itchy eyes. But how can you tell if these symptoms are due to a common cold or an allergic reaction? Although they share some symptoms, their cause and treatment are very different. Probelte Pharma is here to help you identify each of them correctly so you can act accordingly.
| Features | Common cold | Respiratory allergy |
|---|---|---|
| Cause | Virus (rhinovirus, coronavirus, etc.) | Allergens (pollen, house dust mites, animal epithelia, etc.) |
| Duration | 5-10 days | Weeks or months if there is continuous exposure |
| Fever | May appear (slight fever) | Rarely present |
| Nasal discharge | Thick, yellow or greenish | Transparent, watery |
| Sneezing | Common, but less severe | Very common, in "bursts" |
| Itchiness (eyes/nose/throat) | Uncommon | Very common |
| Body pain | You may feel generally unwell | Rare |
| Conjunctivitis | Uncommon | Common (red eyes/tearing) |
| Start of symptoms | Gradual (1-3 days) | Sudden, even immediate |
| Time of year | More common in autumn/winter | Depends on the allergen (spring, summer or autumn) |
Why is it important to tell them apart?
Mistaking a cold for an allergy can lead to you getting the wrong treatment. For example, taking antibiotics for an allergy has no effect, while not properly treating allergic rhinitis can reduce your quality of life and trigger complications such as asthma or sinusitis.
In the case of children, this differential diagnosis is even more important, as symptoms may overlap and they are not always able to express how they feel.
How is an allergy diagnosed?
An allergy should be diagnosed by a specialised healthcare professional, e.g. an allergist. This usually includes:
- Detailed medical history.
- Skin tests.
- Blood tests (specific IgE).
- Challenge tests (in certain cases).
At Probelte Pharma, we develop innovative solutions to diagnose and treat allergies, based on personalised immunotherapy.
Tips to relieve the symptoms
An allergic person may also get a cold, which makes it harder to identify the symptoms. When this happens, the duration, the onset of fever, or the type of nasal discharge can provide important clues. If in doubt, always consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Common colds are caused by viruses and do not require antibiotics. Treatment is symptomatic, and these tips can help you to feel better:
- Proper hydration: Drinking water, herbal teas and broths helps to thin nasal secretions, keep the throat hydrated and prevent dehydration caused by fever.
- Rest: Sleeping well and reducing physical activity allows the immune system to concentrate on fighting the virus.
- Using analgesics or antipyretics: Drugs such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can help to reduce fever, relieve muscle or throat pain and reduce inflammation.
- Nasal irrigation with saline or isotonic seawater: They help to clear the airways, remove mucus and allergens, and improve breathing.
- Increased ambient humidity: Using humidifiers or placing containers with water near to heat sources helps to prevent mucous membranes from drying out, especially in very dry environments.
Allergic rhinitis requires a preventive and therapeutic approach. Here are some recommendations on how to reduce exposure and relieve symptoms:
- Avoid contact with the allergen (whenever possible): If you know the trigger (pollens, mites, animal epithelia, etc.), you should:
- Keep windows closed on days with a high pollen count.
- Use anti-mite covers on mattresses and pillows.
- Avoid hanging clothes outdoors in spring.
- Clean regularly with HEPA-filtered vacuum cleaners.
- Using oral or nasal antihistamines: These block the action of histamine, a substance responsible for allergic reactions. They are effective for sneezing, itching and watery discharges.
- Administration of intranasal corticosteroids: They reduce inflammation of the nasal mucous membranes. They are especially useful for persistent or moderate symptoms.
- Artificial tears for irritated eyes: They can relieve itching and eye redness when the allergy is also affecting the conjunctiva.
- Discuss specific immunotherapy with a specialist: Allergen immunotherapy is the only treatment that alters the course of allergies. It can markedly reduce symptoms and even make them go away over time.
If you experience the same symptoms every year or for long periods, it could mean that you have an allergy. At Probelte Pharma we work to deliver diagnostic and therapeutic solutions that improve your well-being and quality of life.
Contact us
If you have any questions or need specialist advice, please do not hesitate to contact our team. At Probelte Pharma we are committed to providing you with the personalised care and support you need.
l