Differences Between Colds and Allergies
A Patient Asked:
Congested ,runny nose,sneezing and watery eyes specially right eye upper lid little bit swollen. Is it Cold or allergies ?
Answer:
It can be hard to tell the difference between a cold and allergies: A common cold lasts no longer than 10 days; allergies can be present for months.
Differences Between Colds and Allergies
Take stock of your symptoms and how long they last to help you decide what’s causing your trouble.
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Characteristic
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Cold
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Allergy
|
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How Long It Lasts
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3-14 days
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Days to months — as long as you’re in contact with the allergy trigger
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When It Happens
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Most often in the winter, but possible at any time
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Any time of the year — although the appearance of some allergy triggers are seasonal
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When It Starts
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Symptoms take a few days to appear after infection with the virus
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Symptoms can begin immediately after
contact with allergy triggers
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Symptom
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Cold
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Allergy
|
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Cough
|
Often
|
Sometimes
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Aches
|
Sometimes
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Never
|
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Fatigue
|
Sometimes
|
Sometimes
|
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Fever
|
Rare
|
Never
|
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Itchy, watery eyes
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Rare
|
Often
|
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Sore throat
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Often
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Sometimes
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Runny or stuffy nose
Treatment
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Often
Start Cold Eeze fast; sleep; plenty of fluids
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Often
Get an allergy test to see what you are allergic to; then start OTC or Rx meds
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