Spring is in full swing, and you’re struggling with a runny nose, cough and watery eyes? Wondering if it’s allergies, or if you’ve caught a cold after all? Distinguishing between these ailments can be difficult, because the symptoms often overlap. In this article we suggest how to recognize an allergy and distinguish it from an infection. You will also learn how to cope with these ailments and when it is necessary to see a doctor.
Allergy – the reaction of the immune system
An allergy is an overreaction of the immune system to substances that are usually harmless to most people. These substances, called allergens, can be present in pollen, animal dander, dust mites, foods or medications.
The most common allergy symptoms include:
- Rhinitis: a watery, clear nasal discharge, often accompanied by sneezing and nasal congestion.
- Itching: nose, eyes, throat, and sometimes skin.
- Eye tearing: eyes are red, irritated and watery.
- Cough: a dry, irritating cough that worsens at night or after contact with an allergen.
- Rash: itchy red patches on the skin that can take on different shapes and sizes.
- Respiratory problems: shortness of breath, wheezing, a feeling of tightness in the chest.
The common cold – a viral infection
The common cold is an upper respiratory tract infection caused by viruses. It is one of the most common infectious diseases, affecting both children and adults.
Typical cold symptoms include:
- Rhinitis: thick, yellowish or greenish nasal discharge, often combined with nasal congestion.
- Cough: can be dry or wet, with expectoration of secretions.
- Sore throat: a scratchy, burning or sore feeling in the throat.
- Fever: elevated body temperature, usually not exceeding 38°C.
- Headache: a spreading or throbbing sensation in the head.
- Muscle pain: general breakdown, muscle and joint pain.
Allergy versus the common cold – basic differences
Although the symptoms of allergies and the common cold can be similar, there are a few key differences that help distinguish them:
| Feature | Allergy | Cold |
|---|---|---|
| Cause | Overreaction of the immune system to allergens | Viral infection |
| Fever | Usually no | Often occurs |
| Sore throat | Rarely | Often occurs |
| Muscle pain | Usually no | Often occurs |
| Qatar | Watery, transparent | Dense, yellowish or greenish color |
| Itching | Often occurs (nose, eyes, throat) | Usually no |
| Duration | Can last for weeks or months | Usually 7-10 days |
| Seasonality | Symptoms may worsen at certain times of the year (e.g. spring, summer) | Can occur at any time of the year |
Export to Sheets
When to go to the doctor?
In most cases, a cold clears up on its own after a few days. However, if the symptoms are severe, persist for more than 10 days, or complications arise (e.g., ear infections, sinusitis), a doctor should be consulted.
In the case of allergies, it is important to identify allergens and avoid contact with them. Your doctor may recommend allergy tests to help determine the cause of your discomfort. Allergy treatment includes antihistamines, corticosteroids and immunotherapy.
Home remedies for allergies and colds
Whether you have allergies or a cold, you can use home remedies to help relieve symptoms:
- Rest: during illness, it is important to give the body time to recover.
- Hydration: drink plenty of fluids, especially water, herbal tea and juices.
- Inhalations: inhalations with saline or essential oils will help clear the airways and relieve coughing.
- Nasal rinsing: rinsing the nose with saline or nasal irrigation products helps remove allergens and nasal secretions.
- Natural preparations: honey, lemon, garlic, ginger have anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties, so they can help relieve cold symptoms.
Allergy and cold prevention
To reduce the risk of allergies and colds, it is worth following the following rules:
- Avoiding allergens: if you know what you are allergic to, try to avoid contact with allergens.
- Frequent hand washing: regular hand washing helps remove viruses and bacteria.
- Avoiding contact with sick people: If someone around you has a cold, try to avoid close contact.
- A healthy lifestyle: proper nutrition, physical activity and adequate sleep strengthen the body’s immunity.
- Vaccination: influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations help prevent complications of the common cold.
Remember that self-medication can be dangerous. If you have doubts about your health, always consult your doctor.
