If you already experience common symptoms from allergies, getting a cold can make your symptoms worse, but it won't trigger an allergic reaction. Most allergy symptoms are easily confused with cold symptoms because they are similar and affect the respiratory system. If you have allergies and you’re not sure if you have a cold or are experiencing increased allergy symptoms, make an appointment with your doctor.
Allergies
Any substance that causes your immune system to overreact is considered an allergen. Common allergens are related to specific foods, such as wheat, milk and airborne particles, such as pollen, molds or insect bites. Your immune system helps to protect the body from infectious organisms causing illness and disease. Although allergens are not harmful to the body, the immune system reacts as if they are harmful. This mistake causes the body to create immunoglobulin E antibodies to protect the body. IgE antibodies cause mast cells to create histamine in soft tissues that leads to common allergy symptoms
Allergy Symptoms
Not every allergic reaction causes the same symptoms to develop. Depending on the severity of the allergy, you can develop minor to severe allergy symptoms. Common symptoms that may develop include runny nose, stuffy nose, post-nasal drip, throat irritation, coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, hives, eczema, skin inflammation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain and cramping. In rare cases, a severe allergic reaction may cause your body to enter a state of shock, causing loss of consciousness, a sudden drop in blood pressure and an increased heart rate, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.
The Common Cold’s Effect
If you have chronic allergy symptoms, getting a cold may exasperate them. The common cold is caused by more than 100 different viral infections that mainly affect the upper-respiratory system. Common cold symptoms can increase inflammation in the sinus cavity, increase mucus production and cause irritation throughout the respiratory system. Because the common cold is the result of viral infection, your symptoms may increase, but the actual allergic reaction remains the same. Two symptoms that are exclusive to a cold and never develop with an allergy are a fever and body aches.
Treatment
Allergy symptoms and common cold symptoms in the respiratory system are treated with similar drugs. Common over-the-counter medications used to treat both conditions include decongestants, pain relievers and antihistamines. Talk with your doctor before using any medication to treat your symptoms.
