According to the Mayo Clinic, it may be difficult for some people to distinguish between allergies and the common cold because the two have similar signs and symptoms. Both cause sinus issues such as congestion, a runny nose and sneezing and both can restrict a person's normal functioning. In severe cases of hay fever, for example, both allergies and the common cold can cause headaches, a cough from postnasal drip and fatigue, according to the Mayo Clinic. Knowing the differences between allergic reaction and the common cold will help a person properly treat the symptoms. A visit to a health care provider is the best way to determine for certain if symptoms are caused by an allergy or a cold.
Orientation
The main difference between allergies and colds is their orientation. According to an article in the New York Daily News, allergies are an overreaction of the immune system to a particular substance such as mold or dairy proteins, whereas a cold are the body's reaction to a virus that attacks a person's immune system. Allergies are developed in early childhood and are typically hereditary; catching a cold is transference of a virus through human contact.
Symptoms
While there are many symptoms that are similar, there are a few that are distinctly different, according to the Mayo Clinic. For example, a low-grade fever can accompany the common cold but is unseen in an allergic reaction. Another symptom that is different is that a cold will last for a few days whereas allergies can last all year long, according to wellsphere.com. The common cold virus can cause body aches and body chills whereas allergies never lead to these symptoms.
Development and Longevity
The common cold develops slowly, beginning with early signs that progressively worsen while allergies come on suddenly. For example, if a person is allergic to cats, they may have a sneezing fit within minutes of walking into a room with cat dander. The person's immune system is triggered immediately, resulting in an allergic reaction. Allergies can come and go or can develop into a chronic condition. The common cold will not last longer than 14 days without greater complications, according to Wellsphere.com.
Treatment
Allergies are best treated by avoiding the allergen, according to Medline Plus. Once a person identifies the substance she is allergic to, she should remove or stay away from it. For example, a person allergic to pollen should remain indoors during high-pollen season, wash clothing after outdoor exposure and keep windows closed in the car. Allergies are also treated with antihistamines, according to Medline Plus. The common cold has no cure, according to the Mayo Clinic. The viruses that cause the common cold need to be effectively killed by the natural responses of the immune system. A person can take drugs to alleviate the symptoms of the cold, but no drugs cure a cold.
