An allergy and the common cold have similar signs and symptoms, making it difficult to self-diagnose. Common universal symptoms of an allergy and a cold are headaches, sinus discharge, coughing and irritated eyes, according to Dr. James Steckelberg of the Mayo Clinic. Knowing the differentiating factors between an allergy and the common cold can help you diagnose and treat your symptoms appropriately. While the symptoms may be similar, treatment is different for an allergy than for the common cold.
Facts
Dr. Spock states that the common cold is the result of a virus, commonly rhinovirus, while allergies are the result of an allergic responds to foreign substances such as pet dander, pollen or certain foods. Allergy symptoms are caused by the body releasing an excessive amount of histamine and antibodies. Due to large amounts of histamine released, the body overreacts, causing nasal irritation, eye irritation and other common allergic reactions. The common cold is a harmful virus that enters the body causing fever, head congestion and the feeling of being sick.
Symptoms
While many symptoms may appear to be the same, you can easily differentiate with the proper knowledge, according to Dr. Spock. A sore throat is a common symptom of both allergies and the common cold, but if you have throat pain, it is most likely not due to allergies. Allergies make the throat irritated but will not cause it to hurt. Another common symptom is nasal discharge. Allergies can make the nose run, causing excessive sneezing and post-nasal drip. If the nasal discharge is thick and yellow, it is most likely a cold, not allergies. Fever is not common for allergies but is one of the first signs of the common cold. Allergies will cause a person to feel uncomfortable but will not make a person feel "sick."
Treatment
Treating allergies is different than treating the common cold. Allergies are treated by first avoiding the allergen and also by taking an oral 24-hour antihistamine, according to the Mayo Clinic. An antihistamine will maintain proper histamine levels in the body, alleviating most allergy symptoms. Some allergies symptoms may be treated with a decongestant to help relieve nasal pressure. There is no cure for the common cold but to rest and wait it out. Drugs used for the common cold simply treat the symptoms to make the healing process more comfortable. Common drugs taken during a common cold are decongestants, cough suppressants and a fever-reducing drug.
Prevention
Allergic reactions are prevented by avoiding allergens by staying indoors and by taking a 24-hour antihistamine. The Center for Disease Control says the common cold is prevented by consistent hand-washing, maintaining a well-balanced diet and getting at least eight hours of sleep nightly. Stay away from people who appear to be sick and do not interact with people in a public place during cold season.
Considerations
If you are unable to confidently differentiate between allergies and the common cold, see a doctor for her opinion. If you attempt to self-treat yourself and you don't see any improvement within three days, you should see a doctor. Allergies typically have a quick onset and decrease quickly once the allergen is removed while the common cold slowly comes on and progressively worsens.
