The common cold and allergies share a number of symptoms, but they each have a different cause and different treatments. That’s why it’s important to get your doctor’s input on your symptoms, so you’ll know what to do.
At Associates in Family Medicine, Dr. Mahshid M. Hamidi and our staff see both colds and allergies at our practice in Clairemont, San Diego, California. Here, we describe the differences between them, but if you’re ever in doubt, make an appointment to come in and see the doctor so she can diagnose the condition and draw up a treatment plan for you.
A cold is a viral infection, caused by one of more than 200 strains, mostly of rhinoviruses (from the Greek “rhino,” meaning “nose”). When the virus invades your body, your immune system kicks in to try to thwart it, producing symptoms. Those symptoms may include:
Some people also get a low-grade fever, which just makes you feel miserable but isn’t a serious complication. Most colds last about 7-10 days, during which time you should rest and drink plenty of fluids. Take over-the-counter pain relievers for body aches, and use nasal rinses or sprays to ease congestion.
There’s nothing much else you can do to help; the virus just has to run its course. Colds are contagious, so wash your hands frequently, and don’t share utensils or towels with anyone. As the viruses spread through aerosolized droplets, it’s possible to pick one up just by being around a sick individual.
An allergy is your immune system’s mistaken reaction to a non-harmful substance, like pollen, pet dander, or mold. In response to the substance, your body releases chemicals like histamine, which can cause swelling in the passageways of your nose and lead you to start sneezing.
Minor allergies may also cause itching and a red rash or hives on your body, and a severe allergy may cause a life-threatening complication called anaphylaxis, which causes you to have difficulty breathing. Most environmental allergies are relatively minor.
Also, allergies aren’t contagious, and they last as long as you're in contact with the substance that triggered the response and for a short time afterward.
Symptoms generally include:
Unlike a cold, you don’t run a fever when you have an allergy attack, and it’s rare that you have a sore throat, though mucus may drip from your nose into your throat, causing some discomfort.
Allergy treatment depends on the severity of your symptoms. Over-the-counter antihistamines may be enough for minor allergy symptoms, but a more severe allergy may require allergy shots to calm your immune system and reduce your response to the allergen.
Dr. Hamidi can perform allergy testing to determine the exact substance(s) you’re allergic to and draw up a treatment plan to manage attacks.
If you’re having symptoms and aren’t sure whether they’re due to a cold or an allergy, your best bet is to come into Associates in Family Medicine and let the doctor diagnose the condition. Call our office at 858-565-6394 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Hamidi, or send us a message online. We also accept telehealth appointments.
