Do you think you have a cold? There’s a chance it could be allergies. It can sometimes be difficult to know the difference between the two, especially during seasonal changes and let’s not forget the fact that school is back in session and our children are sharing everything.
What’s the difference between the common cold & allergies?
A cold is caused by a virus or bacteria and symptoms can take a few days to appear after being exposed. Cold’s are contagious and can last 3-14 days. It’s typical of a cold to occur during Winter months but they can happen any time. Allergies are cause by an overactive immune system. Your body mistakes harmless things, such as dust or pollen, for germs and mounts an attack on them. When that happens, the body releases a chemical called histamine and this can cause inflammation of your passageways and you will start sneezing and coughing. Allergy symptoms can last days to months (as long as your in contact with the allergy trigger and a short time after). Allergies can appear any time of the year (although typically seasonal) and symptoms can begin immediately after coming in contact with the allergy trigger.
Common cold symptoms:
- often cough
- often sore throat
- often runny & stuffy nose
- sometimes body aches
- sometimes fatigue
- sometimes fever
- rarely itchy/watery eyes
Allergy symptoms:
- often runny & stuffy nose
- sometimes cough
- sometimes fatigue
- sometimes sore throat (from postnasal drip)
- Often itchy/watery eyes
- never body aches or fever
The most important difference is that colds usually don’t last longer than 14 days. So see your doctor if you still have symptoms after 2 weeks. These may be allergy symptoms or signs of another problem. A sinus infection (sinusitis) can occur from either a cold or allergies and may need antibiotics for treatment.
Call our office at (616) 994-2770 if you are concerned your symptoms may be caused by allergies or sinusitis.