Is it a Cold or an Allergy? How to Tell the Difference

Cold and allergies share many overlapping symptoms, but they shouldn’t be treated the same way. The underlying causes are distinctly different. Knowing which one you’re experiencing can help you feel better faster and choose the right treatment, so you avoid unnecessary medications.

At Allergy and Asthma of Prosper and Celina, Texas, we help patients identify the source of their symptoms so they can choose the most effective treatment. 

Let’s break it down. 

Understanding the root causes

Before you treat your symptoms, it helps to understand the root causes of these conditions. The source of the problem can explain the pattern you’re experiencing.

A good question to ask yourself is whether you feel achy, run-down, or feverish. If so, you probably have a cold. Viruses cause colds, and your immune system responds by creating inflammation, mucus, and fatigue as it fights the infection. 

If you feel tired but otherwise okay, allergies may be the culprit. Allergies don’t cause fever or body aches, but they can make you feel fatigued. In this case, your immune system is responding to harmless everyday substances such as pollen, dust mites, or pet dander.

Your body mistakenly treats these triggers as threats, releasing histamines that cause sneezing, itching, and congestion. 

That difference provides essential clues. 

How symptoms typically appear

Once symptoms begin, their timing is one of the easiest ways to tell them apart. 

Cold symptoms usually develop gradually over one to three days. You might start feeling a scratchy throat or mild fatigue before congestion and coughing set in. Body aches, low-grade fever, and general tiredness are common. 

Allergy symptoms typically appear suddenly. Sneezing fits and a runny nose often occur within minutes to hours of exposure to the trigger.

A cold tends to make you feel sluggish, while allergy fatigue can be persistent but low-grade. 

Essentially, a cold will make you feel sick overall, and you may run a fever, while allergies can make you feel worn down and uncomfortable, but you won’t have a fever or body aches. 

Choosing the right treatment 

Once you’ve determined whether your symptoms indicate a cold or allergies, the next step is choosing the proper treatment. 

If it’s likely a cold

Viruses cause colds, so antibiotics won’t help. Most colds run their course within 7 to 10 days. The best thing you can do is support your recovery: 

• Rest and hydrate 
• Use over-the-counter pain relievers for aches or fever 
• Use saline nasal sprays or rinses to ease congestion 

If symptoms worsen, last longer than expected, or are accompanied by facial pain or high fever, it’s a good idea to see a healthcare provider. 

If it’s likely allergies 

Allergies respond best to targeted treatment. This is especially true if they’re recurring or persistent. Over-the-counter antihistamines may offer temporary relief, but they don’t address the underlying cause. 

An allergy evaluation can identify specific triggers, reduce symptoms, and limit reliance on medications that may cause drowsiness. 

If your symptoms return regularly, you may find relief through allergy testing and personalized treatment. 

Dr. Thomas Fowler and the team at Allergy and Asthma of Prosper and Celina, Texas, can guide you through allergy testing, help you understand your results, and develop a personalized plan. You can schedule your appointment online.