What kind of sniffle is this?
If you've been hogging the tissues for a few days, you may suspect that you've caught whatever cold has been making its way through your office or your child's school. But have you? What seems like a cold could actually be an allergy. Take a look at the differences.
Sources: American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
ALLERGIES COLDS
Symptoms Runny nose with clear, thin, watery discharge; sneezing; congestion; wheezing; itchy nose, throat, ears and eyes; no fever or muscle aches in most cases; sneezing spells common. Runny nose with watery to thick yellow/green discharge (starts off clear, becomes yellow/green); sneezing; low grade fever; weakness and fatigue; muscle aches possible; itching unlikely; sneezing spells and itchy eyes are not common.
Onset Symptoms begin immediately after exposure to allergens. If allergies are seasonal, symptoms occur at the same time every year. Symptoms develop full strength within one to three days of exposure to cold virus, most commonly during fall or winter.
Duration Symptoms last as long as you are exposed to the allergen, and even after the allergen is gone. Five to seven days is the average.
Treatment Antihistamines, nasal steroids and decongestants can be bought over the counter or prescribed by a physician. Antihistamines, decongestants and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen can be bought over the counter or prescribed by a physician.
Prevention Do your best to avoid the allergens you react to. Some common allergens are pollen, dust mites, mold, pet dander and cockroaches. To prevent spreading or catching any cold viruses, wash your hands often during the cold season and avoid close contact with people suffering colds.
Complications Allergic reactions to airborne allergies can aggravate the respiratory system, possibly resulting in a sinus infection or asthma. Cold symptoms can develop into sinus infections, middle ear infections and bronchitis.