We all know what it is like to have seasonal allergies, unfortunately some of us get them worse than others. Most of the time, we have no choice but to complain until the worst is over. However, for those who don’t know, allergy symptoms can often be very similar symptoms to a common cold. So how do we tell the difference? First, an allergy is actually an immune response, while a cold is a viral infection. While some indications can easily overlap, there is an easy way to tell if you have allergies or a cold. Check out this helpful guide.
How to tell if you have a cold or seasonal allergies
Nasal passages
Trying to determine if it is a cold or an allergy can be a closer look at your nasal passages. If your nose is blocked and you may have yellow discharge, it means you have a cold. However, if you have allergies, the more likely that the congestion in your nose is more noticeable. Over-the-counter antihistamines or nasal sprays can easily relieve these symptoms.
Energy level
Your energy level is also a great indicator when it comes to telling what your body is going through. When dealing with allergy symptoms you may feel tired, but you definitely won’t feel fatigued. Still, if you have a cold – you will definitely know. Cold drains all of your energy simply because your immune system is working hard to fight off the bacteria. In addition, nasal congestion and constant coughing can easily disrupt your sleep, which in turn makes you so tired.
eyes
In addition to the exhaustion from a cold, your eyes often or sometimes experience watery dry and irritated eyes. Other symptoms may include red, puffy eyes. So, these are simple symptoms that will help you determine whether or not you have allergies or a cold. Classic signs of seasonal allergies are light-sensitive eyes, puffy eyelids and occasionally itchy / burning eyes. The best way to treat this is with over-the-counter eye drops during the spring and summer months – they will definitely help you a lot.
body
If you have seasonal allergies, they certainly don’t cause your body aches and pains. So if you feel like this, you know for sure that you have a cold. Colds not only cause pain all over the body, they can also develop a fever. Make sure you are taking some pain relievers to relieve the pain and most importantly, lower the fever.
duration
Another clue to help you differentiate between a cold and allergies is the duration of the symptoms. When you have a cold, your immune system attacks a cold with white blood cells, which then make antibodies to compensate for them. This process usually takes five to ten days. On the flip side, allergies can linger as long as exposed to the cause, so it could last for several days, a few weeks, or even until the end of the season.
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