The 5 Differences Between Colds and Allergies
What’s the difference between cold and allergies? The most obvious difference is that colds are viral, while allergies are caused by an immune system response to things like pollen, mold, or animal dander. It turns out.
though, there are many other differences between colds and allergies that can help you to distinguish them from one another so you can get better faster. Here are five key differences between colds and allergies you should be aware of before you call in sick to work yet again!
1) What is an allergy?
An allergy is a condition in which the immune system reacts to a foreign substance (called an allergen) such as pollen, pet dander, or dust mites.
The allergic reaction triggers symptoms such as hay fever, sneezing, watery eyes, itchy nose and throat, rashes or swelling of the mouth. Some allergies can also trigger asthma.
2) What is a cold?
A cold is usually defined as a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract, which causes inflammation and can also lead to congestion in the nasal cavity.
The symptoms are sneezing, runny nose, sore throat, coughing, fatigue, and body aches. Some common cold-causing viruses include rhinoviruses, coronaviruses, and adenoviruses.
3) How are they spread?
The primary reason colds are more contagious than allergies is that the allergy symptoms themselves are not caused by a microorganism, but rather by an immune system response to the presence of one.
As such, it’s the body’s defenses (specifically, histamines) that produce sneezing, wheezing, coughing, and other allergy symptoms. What causes a cold? A cold is spread by airborne respiratory droplets (the virus is tiny enough to travel through the air in its liquid form).
This can happen from an infected person sneezing or coughing or just from normal conversation. Thus, there is no way to avoid catching a cold, you will get it sooner or later if you don’t take precautions like washing your hands thoroughly after being around people who are sick.
4) How long do they last?
The cold can last anywhere from a few days to a week, while the average allergy season lasts just under three months.
Because allergies are triggered by a longer period of exposure, they often affect multiple areas of the body. whereas a typical cold usually affects only your upper respiratory system.
5) How do you treat them?
There are some medicines that treat both colds and allergies, but you’ll have to figure out which one works best for you. If your symptoms are mild, over-the-counter treatments may be all you need.
Nasal decongestants like Sudafed can help relieve nasal congestion caused by allergies. Antihistamines like Benadryl help with sneezing, itchy eyes, and a runny nose. Many people also find relief from home remedies like steamy showers or baths, humidifiers, or saline nasal sprays.
Do you know the Differences Between Colds and Flu?
5 Differences Between Colds and Allergies
- Colds are viral infections of the upper respiratory tract (nose, throat, sinuses) that can range from mild to severe. Most often caused by a rhinovirus or coronavirus.
- colds are typically marked by congestion, sore throat, sneezing, and watery eyes. According to the CDC’s data on colds, there is no cure for the common cold — but you don’t have to let it get you down; make sure you know when to seek medical attention for a bad cold.
- The biggest difference between the two is the source: Colds are usually caused by viruses, while allergies are triggered by an immune response to allergens like pollen, dust mites, and pet dander.
- The symptoms of allergies can be similar to those associated with the common cold: runny nose, itchy eyes/nose/throat, and sneezing.
- However, unlike the runny nose associated with cold, allergic rhinitis may cause your nasal passages to swell up so much that they block your airways.
This article discussed the five key differences between colds and allergies. Knowing the difference between the two can help you treat your symptoms more effectively. If you are still unsure of the difference, please consult your doctor.