Colds and seasonal allergies can look very similar at first. Both can cause congestion, a runny nose, sneezing, and fatigue. But understanding what’s behind your symptoms matters, because the causes and treatments aren’t the same.
By learning these distinctions, you and your provider can decide if you need rest and fluids or allergy management.
See our experts at Primary Care Doctors of Grand Prairie in Grand Prairie, Texas, for relief from colds, the flu, or allergies. Below are five ways to tell if your symptoms are caused by a cold or allergies.
Cold and allergy symptoms often have different durations. A cold is caused by a virus and usually goes away on its own after about 7-10 days.
Allergies, on the other hand, are triggered by your immune system reacting to things like pollen, dust, or pet dander. They can last for weeks or months and come and go, depending on allergen exposure.
Looking at the color of your mucus could indicate whether your symptoms stem from having a cold or seasonal allergies. Mucus caused by allergies is often clear, while mucus from a cold can be cloudy, green, or yellow.
While it’s possible for allergies to cause a sore throat or cough, these are more likely symptoms of an illness. So if your throat is throbbing, your body feels hot (fever), or you can’t stop coughing, chances are a cold, the flu, or another illness like strep throat is to blame.
Itchy eyes are a hallmark sign of allergies. If you can’t stop scratching, the underlying cause of your symptoms is more likely allergies than a cold.
Allergies and colds might both contribute to headaches. But colds and flu are more common causes of body aches, which generally aren’t present in people suffering from seasonal allergies.
The following symptoms are often present in people with colds AND those struggling with allergies:
Distinguishing between colds and allergies helps determine the best ways to eliminate unpleasant symptoms.
Our primary care specialists can diagnose the cause of your symptoms. We offer skin prick testing, blood tests, and other allergy tests. We also screen for the flu and COVID-19 and provide an array of treatments that help you feel better, faster.
For a personalized cold or allergy relief treatment plan, schedule an appointment at Primary Care Doctors of Grand Prairie by calling our office or requesting a visit online today.
