It is easy to confuse cold and allergy symptoms. After all, they both affect the upper respiratory tract, and both are often treated with the same OTC medications. But there are differences between the two. For one thing, colds are the result of a viral infection, whereas allergies are caused by environmental factors--like pollen or animal dander. So, while on the surface the two conditions seem similar, there are some things to look for, to determine which one you have.
Step 1
Check for a fever. Fever is not a common symptom of allergies but can occur with a viral infection, like a cold.
Step 2
Look for discolored mucus. Allergic mucus tends to be clear, thin and very runny. The mucus associated with colds tends to be thick and doesn’t run much at all. Cold mucus also tends to be discolored--usually yellow or green.
Step 3
Check the neck and throat. Sore throat and swollen glands are a symptom of a viral infection, not allergies. If your allergies have an asthma component, you may feel some throat irritation from frequent coughing. However, swollen glands are a sign that the lymph nodes have trapped a virus, which doesn't happen with allergies.
Step 4
Count sneezes. Both allergies and colds involve some degree of sneezing, but allergies tend to involve a lot of sneezing. The most common allergy symptom is prolonged periods of rapid-fire, "machine-gun" sneezing. If you are congested and only sneezing now and then, it is most likely a cold.
Step 5
Watch duration. Colds usually last three to five days. Allergies can last as long as the person is exposed to the allergen. This could be several days or even weeks. If you are sneezing for more than a few days, and don't have a fever or swollen glands, it is most likely an allergic reaction. Conversely, if you are only sneezing for a few hours, that is also, most likely, an allergy.
Step 6
Check the people around you. Colds are contagious whereas allergies are not. If friends, coworkers and family members are experiencing the same symptoms--or if they started experiencing their symptoms three to five days before you started yours--it is most likely a cold. The exception would be a family situation where everyone has the same (or similar) allergies. In which case, look for other symptoms--like fever and swollen glands.
Step 7
Change environments. Allergies are caused by irritants in the air. Try moving to a different location, opening or closing windows, or even taking a shower. If it's an allergy, the change of environment--and washing off any pollens--will relieve your symptoms. With a cold, your symptoms will be the same, no matter where you are.
Tips and Warnings
- Allergies and colds are caused by different pathogens and it is possible to have a cold and an allergic reaction, at the same time.
Things You'll Need
- Thermometer
