As temperatures rise, flowers bloom and viruses continue to circulate, it can be challenging to tell whether it’s the last gasps of cold season or if allergy season springs anew. Both have similar symptoms: sneezing, coughing and a runny nose, and they can signal a cold, allergies or both.
We’re a nation of sufferers. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, seasonal allergies affect about 25% of adults in the United States. Add that to the fact that adults have an average of one cold each year, and children an average of two colds each year, and we’re using a ton of tissues and need relief right away.
Need an easy way to tell the two apart? Here’s how to evaluate your symptoms.
Sneezes
Sneezing could signal either illness, but sneezing on its own may point to an allergy.
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Allergies: It’s more common for allergies to trigger the need to sneeze.
Colds: Sneezing isn’t the main event for a cold. Unless you’re experiencing a fever, body aches or a sore throat, it’s more likely that allergies are the culprit.
Sore throat
Assess the pain threshold. If it hurts to swallow, it’s more likely it’s a cold.
Allergies: Postnasal drip, a common condition for those who suffer from hay fever, happens when mucus from your nose or sinuses drips down your throat. This aggravating condition causes a scratchy, sore throat.
Colds: A painful sore throat, one that stymies swallowing, is a more typical cold symptom, especially if your tonsils are red or swollen.
Cough
Consistency matters, and watch the clock.
Allergies: This is typically an irritating dry cough in conjunction with a tickly throat.
Colds: Can be dry, but usually wet or phlegmy. And if it occurs in fits and starts and wakes you up in the middle of the night, this kind of cough generally indicates a cold.
Mucus
Different colors and consistencies can sometimes point to different conditions.
Allergies: Clear, thinner and a seemingly endless supply.
Colds: Usually thicker (which causes congestion) and has tinges of yellow or green.
Timeline
If symptoms come on strong, it’s likely a cold.
Allergies: Build slowly over a few weeks in spring as trees and grass pollinate, for example.
Colds: Typically develop over a few days.
Duration
Trees may be your enemy if symptoms persist for more than a few weeks.
Allergies: Can last for an entire season, or even longer, depending on where you live.
Colds: May take a few weeks to conquer.
While colds and allergies can have similar symptoms, if symptoms persist longer than two weeks, book an appointment with a health professional. They will be able to provide relief if it’s allergies, or another possibility, like a sinus infection.
