Even the most seasoned allergy sufferers have trouble distinguishing the onset of a cold from their normal allergy attacks. It would be easy if you could just go by the number of tissues you use. While not as simple as checking out your wastebasket, there are ways to detect the subtle differences between the two nasal conditions.
Causes
Viruses cause colds. A virus is contagious. It gets passed between people when one person inhales droplets of air where an infected person has sneezed or coughed. If you share a glass or a kiss with an infected person, you can catch the virus from the exchange of saliva. By touching infected surfaces, you can transfer the germ to your mouth or nose. These methods of contact do not pertain to airborne allergies. Allergies produce symptoms similar to a cold. However, your immune system triggers the attack. The culprit is not a virus. Instead, an allergen in the air sets off the symptoms. For this reason, allergies don't pass between people. Rather, you inherit the tendency to have allergies.
Cold Symptoms
When you have a cold, your symptoms don't usually stop at a runny nose or congestion. You also experience body aches, a sore throat, chest congestion, cough and sometimes a fever. Your mucus appears white to yellowish. You may sneeze once or twice at varying intervals. The congestion increases pressure in your sinuses, giving you a stuffy-head feeling or a headache. Without complications, symptoms improve in a few days. Colds occur most often in the winter, but can occur during any season.
Allergy Symptoms
Airborne allergens produce respiratory symptoms because your body sees them as an irritant and wants to get rid of them. Some offending allergens come from pollen, grass and trees, according to MayoClinic.com. You can also be allergic to pet dander, dust, dust mites and other agitating inhalants. Your nose might run as freely as a faucet or feel as stuffy as a clogged drain. Your ears feel pressure. Multiple sneezes come in rapid succession as the body tries to expel the allergen. The repeated bouts of sneezing cause fatigue. Your temperature remains normal. The allergy does not cause fever. Nasal discharge should be clear. Your eyes may feel itchy and weepy. Other symptoms include wheezing and coughing. Airborne allergies last as long as you are exposed to the allergen. This could be seasonal or even last all year.
Complications
It's possible to have a cold and an allergy attack at the same time. To complicate matters, any congestion, regardless of the source, creates excessive mucus in your sinuses, nose and throat. The mucus provides a breeding ground for bacteria to flourish. Your simple cold or allergy can advance to a bacterial infection of the ears, throat, sinuses or chest. Your discharge thickens and becomes green or brownish-green. If a secondary infection sets in, you'll need to see your doctor for antibiotic treatment.
