Ah, the sniffles. We all start reaching for our tissues and wondering if it is just a common cold or something more severe like an allergy. While a runny nose can be annoying, it is vital to know what is causing it so you can take the proper actions to feel better.
Let's talk about what causes a runny nose. The nose produces mucus to keep the nasal passages moist and trap any foreign particles, like dust and allergens that enter the nose. When the body detects an irritant, like a virus or an allergen, it produces more mucus to try and flush it out. This excess mucus can lead to a runny nose.
How can you tell if an allergy or a cold is to blame for your runny nose? Let's analyze it.
Cold vs. Allergy: What is the difference?
The common cold and allergies are two different conditions that can cause a runny nose. Cold symptoms typically last 7-10 days and include a runny or stuffy nose, cough, sore throat, and fever. On the other hand, allergies are caused by an overactive immune response to an allergen such as pollen, dust mites, or animal dander. The symptoms of allergies can last for days, weeks, or months and include a runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, sneezing, and coughing.
One key difference between a cold and an allergy is the timing of the symptoms. Colds tend to occur during winter, whereas allergies are more common in the spring and fall when plants bloom. Another difference is the color and consistency of the nasal discharge. Typically, the discharge from a cold is thick, yellow, or green, whereas in allergy it is thin and clear.
|
Cold |
Allergy |
|
|
Cause |
Viral infection (e.g. rhinovirus) |
Immune system overreacts to harmless substance (e.g. pollen) |
|
Symptoms |
Sore throat, cough, congestion, runny nose |
Itching in nose, eyes, throat, sneezing, runny or stuffy nose |
|
Fever |
Possible |
Rare |
|
Duration |
1-2 weeks |
Weeks to months |
|
Timing |
Winter months |
Spring and fall |
|
Treatment |
Symptom relief with OTC medications |
Allergy medications, immunotherapy (allergy shots) |
|
Prevention |
Practice good hygiene, avoid contact with sick people |
Avoid allergens, use air purifiers, wear masks during allergy season |
Cold and Allergy Symptoms
Cold and allergy symptoms can be identical, making it hard to differentiate between the two conditions.
Cold symptoms typically include:
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sneezing
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Body aches
- Fatigue
Allergy symptoms typically include:
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sneezing
- Itchy nose, eyes, or throat
- Watery eyes
- Dark circles under the eyes
- Fatigue
Note: Key difference between cold and allergy symptoms is the duration of the symptoms.
Treatment of the common cold and allergies
The treatment of the common cold and allergies depends on the severity of the symptoms and the underlying cause of the condition.
Treatment of the Common Cold:
- Rest: Getting plenty of rest is essential to help your body fight off the cold virus.
- Fluids: Drinking plenty of fluids can help to prevent dehydration and loosen mucus.
- Humidifiers: A humidifier or steam shower can help to soothe a sore throat or congestion.
- Nasal drops: nasal drops can help to clear the nasal passages and relieve congestion.
Treatment of Allergies:
- Avoidance: If you know what allergens trigger your symptoms, try to avoid them as much as possible.
- Medications: can help to relieve symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing, and itchy eyes.
- Nasal sprays: Nasal sprays containing corticosteroids can help to reduce inflammation in the nasal passages and relieve congestion.
- Immunotherapy: In severe cases, immunotherapy may be recommended, which involves exposing the body to small amounts of the allergen over time to build immunity.
Conclusion
A runny nose can be a sign of various things, including colds and allergies. By understanding the differences between these conditions and taking appropriate steps to manage symptoms, you can minimize the impact of a runny nose on your daily life. If you have any concerns about your symptoms or if they persist for an extended period, consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.
