How to tell the difference between cold and allergy?
Most often, people tend to have difficulty on how to differentiate between cold and allergy. This is because their symptoms are very much alike and it is very easy to confuse one for another.
In medical facilities, the practitioners will be quick to admit that this is a common phenomenon among patients. Most patients will come completely convinced that they are suffering from allergy whereas they are having a cold and vice versa.
To some people, differentiating between these two conditions can be very easy, but the fact is millions of people out there are ever having problems telling which is which.
In many cases, when the symptoms are still mild, you might not have a clear idea on how to tell the difference between the two of them. You will then need to wait and be keen as they progress. Other symptoms will outright tell you the difference from the start.
All you need to do is be more observant once you start noticing the bellow signs.
The Mucus Color
How Long Do The Symptoms Last?
The Seasons When The Symptoms Occur.
But if these symptoms come around in late summer and winter then know that you have a common cold. This is because winter is always characterized by chilly weather that can end up causing a common cold. To be sure it’s one and not the other you need countercheck with the other mentioned ideas to be sure.
The Type Of a Cough
This is quite a very easy method of differentiating between the two. With this, you won’t need any other assurances but seek medical advice on how to deal with the situation. There are also other minor signs and symptoms that will give you a clear idea on the difference between allergy and cold.
Having an intense fever simply means that you are having a cold. Allergy does not bring about fever, and even if it does in a case of severe allergy. It won’t be as intense as a fever.
Comparison:
Allergy | Cold |
---|---|
Clear watery mucus | Yellow mucus |
Symptoms persist for quite a long time if the allergen is still around | Symptoms take a short time, mostly 5 to 10 days |
Mostly occurs during spring and fall | Mostly occurs during late summer and winter |
A dry cough sometimes | A cough with mucus |
No fever is experienced | Intense fever |
Itchy and watery eyes | Not applicable to cold |
Not Common to have Body aches | Body aches |
Sometimes develop Eczema | No Eczema |
Symptoms show immediately after contact with allergens | Symptoms take few days to appear after virus infection |
Verdict:
It is thus important you make sure that you have the right diagnosis. Your body might also end up reacting with the initiated medication. It is only done because you were misdiagnosed.
From the above information, you should be able to know how to tell the difference between allergy and cold.
Make sure you keep in mind even the tiny bit as it might be the only symptom you have to tell the difference. Some like the color of mucus will need some time to distinguish. In that case, you will have to be on the lookout if at all you want to end up with the correct diagnosis.
Be patient and do not be too quick to make a judgment ,in order to make the right observations. Through this vital information, you should know that how to tell the difference between allergy and cold. You shunt miss even a simple single indication.
Simple Remedies for Allergy and for Cold
- Make sure that you drink a lot of fluids to replenish your
system and keep you hydrated and it will decrease congestion. - Breathe in hot steam from a boiling pot to loosen your mucus.
- Blow out your nose instead of sniffling.
- Keep warm throughout while having plenty of rest.
- Gargle warm salt water to sooth the scratchy throat.
- Get a a lot of rest and try to sleep well
- Use OVC saline nasal drops and sprays to relieve stuffiness and congestion.
- Try to use air humidifier for more moist air in your home,it may help losing the congestion
This will make you feel better after some time.
- Try to avoid the allergens as much as you can once you identify them.
- Use over-the-counter meds :antihistamines,Nasal steroids ,& decongestants