Knowing The Difference Between Seasonal Allergies and Cold Symptoms

With spring in full swing, it can be difficult to identify the culprit of your runny nose, itchy throat and congestion. While colds and seasonal allergies share several symptoms, they have distinct differences that can help inform your approach to wellness.

Seasonal allergies are triggered by environmental allergens like pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds. If your symptoms come on quickly after spending time outdoors or being in a new environment, allergies may be the cause. Allergy symptoms persist as long as you're exposed to the trigger, which can mean weeks or even months of symptoms during peak pollen season.

Cold symptoms, on the other hand, typically last 7–10 days and tend to worsen before they improve. Because the common cold is caused by a virus, the immune system follows a fairly predictable response. First, inflammation slows the virus down. Then, mucus production ramps up to flush it out. Finally, white blood cells move in to clear the infection. That shift to thicker, discolored mucus many people notice toward the end of a cold is actually a good sign that your immune system is doing exactly what it's supposed to do.

Key signs of seasonal allergies:

• Itchy, watery eyes

• Persistent sneezing

• Clear, thin, watery nasal discharge throughout the entire episode

• No fever

More typical for colds:

• Fever (can be mild or severe)

• Thick, yellow or green mucus as the illness

  progresses

• Body aches and fatigue

• Cough

  
  

So, how can you resolve your symptoms and start feeling better? For the common cold, resting and staying hydrated are key to your treatment plan. Limit physical activity, use a humidifier to ease congestion, and drink fluids to help thin mucus and support your immune system. Over-the-counter remedies don’t cure a virus, but they can ease symptoms. Talk to your doctor about use of decongestants, antihistamines, pain relievers, saline sprays or cough suppressants or expectorants.

Allergy symptoms can also be managed through over-the-counter or prescription medications, depending on the severity of symptoms. Because allergies are a chronic condition, reduced exposure to the trigger is an important component of long-term management. Limiting outdoor time and closing windows on high-pollen days and wearing sunglasses to protect your eyes are just a few ways to avoid irritation from environmental allergens.

When to contact your provider:

• Symptoms last more than 10 days

• Symptoms worsen significantly

• You have a high fever (~103 F in adults)

• You need help deciding which medications are appropriate

The Amoskeag Health team is available to answer questions, schedule appointments and guide you through the best course of action. We can help confirm whether allergies, a virus, or another condition is at play and recommend the right treatment plan for you. As always, if you experience severe symptoms like difficulty breathing or chest pain, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room for evaluation and treatment.

To schedule an appointment at one of our four office locations in Manchester, NH, please call 603-626-9500.