Allergies vs. Cold: Understand the Difference
Know the difference between an allergy and a cold.
Seasonal allergies and the common cold can be so much alike that it's sometimes hard to tell the two apart. But look closely and you can find clues about what's going on.1
In this page you will find information about
Start by comparing the most obvious symptoms.
Common allergy symptoms2
Runny/itchy nose
Itchy, watery eyes
Sneezing
Coughing+
Nasal congestion
Hives (a rash with raised red patches).
Common cold symptoms3
headache,
sneezing,
chilliness
sore throat
nasal discharge
nasal obstruction
cough
malaise
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.2 while coughing, malaise, chilliness, and fever usually signal a cold.3
Think about how quickly you experienced symptoms and how persistent they are.
Histamine is a chemical released by mast cells of the immune system when the body encounters an allergen. This causes an allergic reaction.4
The common cold syndrome has been defined in terms of experimental colds as a short mild illness with early symptoms and later symptoms.3
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.5
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
In turn, colds are caused by viruses, and symptoms generally last 5 to 7 days although some may last as long as two or three weeks.6
Take an even closer look at specific symptoms6
General aches and pain
Probably a cold, not allergies.6
Fever
Probably a cold, not allergies.6
Itchy eyes
Rarely with cold, usually with allergies.6
Notice the color of your mucus
Clear and watery mucus is most likely due to allergies.7
If it’s thick and white color, it’s probably a cold.7
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 to relief allergy symptoms. It’s nonsedating antihistamine that gives you 24 hours, relief from indoor and outdoor allergy symptoms.8
If you experience sneezing, runny nose, itchy, watery eyes, or an itchy nose or throat, Telfast® can help.8
For nasal congestion, swelling of nasal passages, and other allergy symptoms, try Telfast-Decongestant®.9
Recommended Reading:
Pet Allergies
Allergies to pets with fur are common. It's often difficult or impossible to eliminate completely your exposure to animal allergens.
Mold Allergies
Mold and mildew are fungi that lives everywhere. So if you have persistent allergicsymptoms that occur through several seasons, you might be allergic to mold.
Dust Allergies
Dust mites are tiny organisms that can barely be seen by the naked eye. A dust mite allergy can even trigger asthma and eczema.
Seasonal Allergies
Allergy season is different for everyone. That’s because different kinds of outdoor allergens — or irritants — get distributed into the air year-round.
Pollution Allergy
Air pollution is the fourth greatest threat to public health after cancer, heart disease and obesity.
Temperature change
Individuals with persistent allergic rhinitis are more prone to develop respiratory and ocular symptoms after exposure to sudden temperature changes.
Hives and skin allergies
Hives (urticaria) are red, itchy welts that result from a skin reaction. The welts vary in size and appear and fade repeatedly as the reaction runs its course
Allergies
Allergic Rhinitis or Hay Fever, Happens when you breath in something to which you are allergic, and the inside of your nose becomes inflamed and swollen
Adult Indoor Allergies
There’s no place like home … for allergies! Just stepping indoors — at home, work, or school — exposes you to numerous allergens.
Children's Outdoor Allergies
Nearly 5.2 million children under age 18 experience hay fever in the past 12 months and 7.1 million have respiratory allergies
Children's Indoor Allergies
For kids dealing with indoor allergies, Some pollutants may be 2–5-fold more concentrated inside than outside buildings.
Telfast is not indicated to relieve coughing, post-nasal drip, hives or rash, skin irritation, red eyes, or fatigue.
Telfast is indicated to relieve sneezing, runny nose, itchy, watery eyes or an itchy nose or throat. Telfast-Decongestant is indicated to relieve sneezing, runny nose, itchy, watery eyes, itchy nose or throat, nasal congestion.
1. JOHNS HOPKINS MEDICINE, A Cold or Allergies: Which Is It?, Available at: https://www.hopkinsallchildrens.org/Patients-Families/Health-Library/HealthDocNew/A-Cold-or-Allergies-Which-Is-It ; last accessed: 13/4/2022.
2. Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. What Are the Symptoms of an Allergy?, Available at: https://www.aafa.org/allergy-symptoms/ ; last accessed: 13/4/2022.
3. Eccles R. Understanding the symptoms of the common cold and influenza. The Lancet infectious diseases. 2005 Nov 1;5(11):718-25.
4. American Academy of Allergy ,Asthma & Immunology, Histamine defined, Available at: https://www.aaaai.org/Tools-for-the-Public/Allergy,-Asthma-Immunology-Glossary/Histamine-Defined ; last accessed: 13/4/2022.
5. American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, Allergic reactions. Available at: https://www.aaaai.org/tools-for-the-public/conditions-library/allergies/allergic-reactions ; last accessed: 13/4/2022. 6. Mayo Clinic. Cold or Allergy, Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/common-cold/expert-answers/common-cold/faq-20057857 ; last accessed: 13/4/2022.
6. Mayo Clinic. Cold or Allergy, Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/common-cold/expert-answers/common-cold/faq-20057857 ; last accessed: 13/4/2022.
7. Cleveland Clinic, What the Color of Your Snot Really Means , Available at: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-the-color-of-your-snot-really-means/ ; last accessed: 13/4/2022.
8. Ministry of Health, Telfast approved leaflet, approval date 29/11/2018.
9. Ministry of Health. Telfast Decongestant approved leaflet, approval date 9/6/2019.
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