Allergy or cold:How Can we identify the symptoms?
Because colds and allergies share many common symptoms, it is sometimes difficult to tell them apart.
What Is Cold?
Common cold — an acute viral infection of the upper respiratory tract that affects the nose and throat. It is caused by more than 200 respiratory viruses, among which rhinoviruses are the most common. A person gets it at least 3-4 times a year, regardless of the season (the frequency is higher during the cold season).
Allergy It is the immune system's response to specific irritants. Upon contact with an allergen, the immune system releases histamine and other similar substances, which cause the characteristic symptoms of an allergy.
Spread Allergens
- Dust Ticks
- Animals Dandruff ან Saliva
- Mold fungi
- Food Products
- etc
A cold and seasonal allergies can be distinguished mainly by symptoms and their regularity.
Colds and allergies have many common symptoms, such as:
- sneezing
- Cough
- Runny nose
- stuffy nose
- Tears flowing from the eyes
Although both colds and allergies are caused by the immune system's response to a virus in one case and an allergen in the other, which can sometimes lead to similar symptoms and signs, there are important differences. For example, people with seasonal allergies almost never have a sore throat or cough. These symptoms are common with viral infections. Also, seasonal allergies usually don't have a fever, which often accompanies a cold.
Colds are more likely to cause:
- Fatigue
- Muscle pain
- Sore throat
- Stuffy nose
- In severe cases — headache, fever, and joint pain
Allergies are more often caused by:
- Itchy eyes
- Difficulty breathing
- Skin rashes — such as eczema or hives
Cold It can last 3–10 days in adults, although the cough can sometimes last for several weeks. Cold symptoms can be relieved by rest and increased fluid intake. Painkillers can help reduce muscle aches or sore throat. Nasal sprays can help reduce nasal congestion and discharge.
Seasonal Allergy The duration is often several weeks. It can be managed with antihistamines and topical nasal steroid sprays. It is also important to avoid or minimize contact with allergens – as much as possible.
Is it contagious or not?
- Cold — It is contagious because the virus that causes it is spread through airborne droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
- Allergy —It is not contagious, as the symptoms are caused by the immune system's sensitivity to a specific allergen.
Prevention One of the best ways to prevent colds is to wash your hands and practice good personal hygiene.
Preventing allergies is much more difficult than preventing a cold. However, avoiding allergy triggers can help prevent symptoms.
Source:
https://www.health.com/condition/allergy/allergies-or-cold
https://www.healthline.com/health/allergies/allergies-or-cold#colds-vs-allergies
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/common-cold/expert-answers/common-cold/faq-20057857
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