Common Cold or Allergies

‘Tis the season to sneeze, cough and suffer through a variety of annoying symptoms. But how do you know if it’s the common cold or allergies?

When symptoms last longer than two weeks and come on suddenly with a vengeance, you may have allergies.

Allergies are caused by an overactive immune system. Your body can mistake noninfectious substances for “germs.” Examples include plant pollen, mold, dust mites, animal hair, chemicals, food, medicine and insect venom.

When that happens, your system goes into attack mode against those “allergens” and produces “cold” symptoms. Allergies are not contagious.

Colds usually go away in less than two weeks and are caused by infectious germs, which are contagious.

Symptoms:

Cold

Airborne Allergy
Cough Common Sometimes
General aches/pains Slight Never
Fatigue/weakness Sometimes Sometimes
Itchy eyes Rare or never Common
Sneezing Usual Usual
Sore throat Common Sometimes
Runny nose Common Common
Stuffy nose Common Common
Fever Rare Never
Duration 3-14 days Weeks

Treatment:

Cold

Airborne Allergy
Antihistamines Antihistamines
Decongestants Nasal steroids
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines
Over-the-counter: “Guaifenesin”; i.e., Mucinex®, Robitussin®		 Decongestants

Allergy shots

Sublingual drops

Prevention:

Cold

Wash hands often with soap.
Avoid close contact with anyone with a cold.

Allergy

Avoid things you are allergic to.

Use an air cleaner with a HEPA filter.

Clean your home’s air ducts.

Complications:

Cold

Sinus infection

Asthma

Middle ear infection

Airborne Allergy

Sinus infection

Asthma

To make an appointment with a Northside ENT allergy specialist, call (317) 844-5656.

Make an appointment to see one of our board certified otolaryngologists.