In this page you will find information about
Start by comparing the most obvious symptoms.
Common allergy symptoms1
Runny/stuffy nose and post-nasal drip+
Itchy, red, and/or watery eyes+
Sneezing
Coughing+
Nasal congestion or sinus pressure+
Hives, rash, or other types of skin irritation+
Common cold symptoms2
Runny/stuffy nose and post-nasal drip
Red and/or watery eyes
Sneezing
Coughing
Muscle aches and pains
Fatigue
Nasal congestion or sinus pressure
Fever
Although they can present as similar, it's useful to note the differences between allergy and cold symptoms. For instance, itchy, watery eyes or itchy nose or throat are typical allergy symptoms, while coughing, fatigue, muscle aches, and fever usually signal a cold.
Think about how quickly you experienced symptoms and how persistent they are.
Histamine is a chemical released by cells of the immune system when the body encounters an allergen. This causes an allergic reaction.3 Cold symptoms can take longer to fully develop.4
Consider how long you’ve had symptoms.
Allergies are an immune system response that occurs because of exposure to allergens like pollen, dust, or pet dander.
In some people, substances such as pollen, certain foods, latex, mold, pet dander, dust mites or insect stings are allergens that trigger the production of antibodies called Immunoglobulin E (IgE). These antibodies travel to cells that release histamine, causing symptoms in the nose, throat, eye, sinuses, ears.5
These symptoms can last throughout a season or even year around for some people.4 And many experience symptoms.
In turn, colds are caused by viruses, and symptoms generally last three to ten days.7
Take an even closer look at specific symptoms4,7
Muscle aches
Probably a cold, not allergies.
Fever
Probably a cold, flu, or another more serious condition. Allergies don’t cause a fever.
Itchy eyes
Redness and watery eyes could be either allergies or a cold. But if your eyes itch, it typically indicates allergies.
Notice the color of your mucus
Clear and watery mucus is most likely due to allergies. If it’s thick and discolored, it’s probably a cold.
If you experience prolonged symptoms, make an appointment with your healthcare professional or allergist to ensure the right diagnosis.
Telfast® is here to help.
Telfast® can help you get back to feeling like yourself again. It’s the #1 allergist-recommended medicine brand for non-drowsy relief,* with an antihistamine that gives you 24 hours of the fastest† non-drowsy relief from indoor and outdoor allergy symptoms. If you experience sneezing, runny nose, itchy, watery eyes, or an itchy nose or throat, Telfast® can help.8 For nasal congestion, sinus congestion and pressure, swelling of nasal passages, and other allergy symptoms, try Telfast-D®. 9
No matter which product you choose, you can feel good knowing Telfast® is the #1 allergist-recommended medicine brand for non-drowsy relief.*
1. Asthma and Allergy Foundation of American, Editors. What are the Symptoms of an Allergy?, Asthma and Allergy Foundation of American (aafa.org), 2015. Reviewed on Oct. 5, 2021.
2. Ron Eccles. Understanding the symptoms of the common cold and influenza, National Institute of Biotechnology Information (ncbi.nim.nih.gov/pmc), 2005. Reviewed on Oct. 5, 2021.
4. American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, Editors. Sudden Allergies: When a Summer cold is much more, American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (acaai.org), 2014. Reviewed on July 13, 2021.
5. American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, Editors. Allergic Reactions, American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (aaaai.org), September 28, 2020. Reviewed on Oct. 5, 2021.
6. Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Editors. Allergies and Hay Fever, Center for Disease Control and Prevention (cdc.gov), 2018. Reviewed on Oct. 5, 2021.
7. Pritish K Tosh, MD. Cold or Allergy: Which is it?, Mayo Clinic (mayoclinic.com), 2020. Reviewed on Oct. 5, 2021
8. Telfast Gulf PIL – last revised November 2020
9. Telfast-D Gulf PIL, last revised July 2021
Recommended Reading
Get information about allergies and advice on relieving symptoms so you can live your greatness.
What is the relationship between allergic rhinitis and sinusitis?
It is known today that allergic rhinitis can go hand in hand with sinusitis and that it can even be a risk factor for the problem, as it tends to cause swelling in the nasal mucosa, favoring the accumulation of mucus, which facilitates the colonization of the sinuses by bacteria and viruses, characterizing sinusitis.
However, for this reason, people with an ongoing rhinitis condition with nasal congestion and accumulation of secretion may believe that they actually have sinusitis. But it often means they have an allergic rhinitis condition with nasal obstruction that was not treated properly and triggered more uncomfortable symptoms, such as headache and hearing difficulty.
Thus, ideally one should learn to identify how each disease manifests itself so as not to get confused. See below the differences between each of them and how the treatment is done.
Acute and chronic hives and skin allergies
Skin problems such as eczema (dry, red, itchy skin) and urticaria (also known as hives) often occur. Hives are white itchy bumps which look and feel like insect bites. Food may be a factor in some cases of hives and eczema.
Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever): Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment
Although allergic rhinitis is less widespread in Middle Eastern countries such as the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, it nevertheless has a substantial impact. It also has a detrimental influence on daily activities, sleep quality, and overall well-being.
What causes nasal congestion and how to treat it?
When nasal and adjacent tissues and blood vessels become swollen with excess fluid, causing a “stuffy” feeling, which may or may not include a runny nose where discharge accompanies the difficulty in breathing. This is annoyance for older children and adults as well. It can be serious for children at night if it disturbs their sleep or for infants who might have a hard time feeding as keeping their mouth shut is not easy.
Read full directions and warnings.
*Among oral antihistamines.
†Starts working in one hour. Applies to first dose only. Among single-ingredient OTC branded oral antihistamines.