The common cold and allergy symptoms can be confusing to distinguish between. The Mayo Clinic says the major difference between a cold and allergies is that a cold is the result of a virus while allergies are an immune reaction to a foreign substance (an allergen). Some of the most common cold and allergy symptoms are nasal discharge, nasal congestion, headaches and a cough. While the symptoms may appear to be the same, a cold and allergy are treated differently. A person should consult with a doctor to determine the reason for her symptoms.
Nasal Discharge
Nasal discharge in the form of postnasal drip and a runny nose is a common symptom for a cold and allergies. Postnasal drip is the constant dripping of excess mucus in the back of the throat. This condition may lead to a sour stomach, coughing, a sore throat and chest congestion. A runny nose is typically clear in color and thin in secretion when it is the result of an allergy and may be greenish in color and thick in secretion if it is the symptom of a cold. Nasal discharge commonly causes sneezing with either a cold or allergies. Sneezing from a cold will remain isolated and random whereas with allergies it can come on quickly, consistently and manifest itself in sneezing bouts.
Nasal Congestion
Nasal congestion causes obstruction in the sinus cavity due to inflamed and swollen sinus membranes. Nasal congestion may lead to sinus pressure pain commonly felt behind the eyes, in the roof of the mouth and in the inner ear. Nasal congestion is treated with over-the-counter decongestants that work by restricting blood flow to the sinuses, reducing inflammation. Antihistamines may also be used for nasal congestion in reducing the amount of mucus in the sinus cavity, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. If nasal congestion persists, it can develop into a sinus infection. If an individual suspects she has developed sinusitis, she should see a doctor.
Headaches
Headaches are common symptoms of both the common cold and allergies typically associated with sinus pressure. Headaches from a cold or allergies generally manifest in the forehead, the back of the neck or on the top of the cranium. Headaches are treated with OTC pain relievers. If a person develops a fever he should seek medical advice. A fever may be an indication of a more serious condition.
Cough
Due to increased mucus production, a person with a cold or allergies may experience a persistent cough. A cough is the body's natural way of keeping excess mucus from clogging the throat. Coughing up blood or yellowish-green mucus may be a sign of a more serious condition.
