Cold vs. Allergy: How to Tell the Difference
November 8, 2006
Topics: Allergies, Mind and Body
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Starting in November, Central Texans notice a few more achoos and sniffles at school and the office. While we can't tell if our coworker is suffering from a cold or allergy, we can tell for ourselves or for our children. This knowledge will determine how long the symptoms are likely to hang around, proper treatment and if we are contageous to others.
If you find yourself with a few allergy symptoms but are unsure of the allergen, you may want to be tested to identify the trigger. Take a look at our Healthwise Library which provides an overview of allergy tests.
|
Symptoms |
Allergy |
Cold |
| Runny Nose | often | often |
| Sneezing | often | sometimes |
| Itchy eyes | often | rarely |
| Fever | never | often |
| Aches and pains | never | sometimes |
| Headache | sometimes | often |
| Cough | sometimes | often |
| Dizziness | sometimes | often |
| Hoarseness | sometimes | often |
| Recur at a certain time of year | often | rarely |
| Need for antibiotics | no | no |
| Warning time | symptoms occur after exposure to allergen | gets worse over several days |
| How long does it last | As long as your child is exposed to the allergen | usually 7 to 10 days |
