It is the season of common cold and allergies. But how do you know which one ails you?

The timing of your symptoms can also offer clues.

By: Lifestyle Desk
New Delhi | Updated: April 19, 2024 12:04 PM IST

3 min read

Scratchy throat, runny nose - is it a cold or allergies? Learn how to tell the difference between these common ailments (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

A scratchy throat, a persistent sniffle – the arrival of these unwelcome guests (read: symptoms) can leave you wondering: is it a cold or an allergy? Especially in this season when both run rampant.

Deciphering the culprit behind your discomfort can be surprisingly tricky. Both colds and allergies share a cast of common symptoms, making it easy to mistake one for the other. But fret not! While the distinction may seem subtle at first, key differences in cause, duration, and additional symptoms can help you crack the code.

Dr Krishna Prasad, consultant – paediatrician at Motherhood Hospitals, Electronic City, explained the core distinction between the two is that “the common cold is caused by viruses, whereas allergies are triggered by your immune system’s overreaction to harmless substances like pollen or dust.”

Seasonality matters

The timing of your symptoms can also offer clues. Colds are most prevalent during winter months, while allergies often flare up during specific seasons when pollen counts are high; like in March, April.

Extremely cold water can irritate the throat and worsen existing throat conditions like soreness or inflammation.

Duration of discomfort

The duration of your symptoms is another distinguishing factor. Colds typically run their course within 3-10 days, responding well to rest, fluids, and over-the-counter medications. Allergies, on the other hand, can linger for weeks until the triggering allergen is removed.

Unique symptom sets

While both colds and allergies can cause a runny nose and sneezing, specific symptoms can help differentiate them:

Colds: Often accompanied by fever, sore throat, body aches, and fatigue.
Allergies: Frequently involve itchy, watery eyes, puffy eyelids, and skin rashes. Colds rarely cause these.

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Here’s a quick reference table to summarise the key differences:

Feature	Common Cold	Allergies
Cause	Viruses (often rhinoviruses)	Immune system reaction to allergens
Contagious	Yes	No
Duration	3-10 days	Weeks (until allergen removed)
Fever	Sometimes	Not common
Sore thorat	Often	Not common
Body aches	Often	Not common
Itchy eyes	Not common	Often
Runny/stuffy nose	Yes	Yes
Treatment	Rest, fluids, over-the-counter meds	Nasal saline, antihistamines, etc.

When in doubt, consult a doctor

If you’re unsure whether you have a cold or any allergy, or if your symptoms persist for more than a week or two, consult your doctor. They can provide a diagnosis and recommend the most effective treatment plan for your specific condition.

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