Cold and Allergies

Patient: “How can I tell the difference between a cold and an allergy?” Dr. Bruce Dan: It’s not always easy, after all they both can make your nose drip, your eyes water and just make you feel miserable all over. But here are a few clues to help you figure out which one you have. Start by taking your temperature; if you’ve got a fever you probably don’t have an allergy, it’s a cold. Allergies on the other hand often give you an itchy feeling in the back of your throat or on the roof of your mouth. Your eyes might itch too and usually you’ll be sneezing a lot more often than if you have a cold. Also consider how long you’ve had the problem. Colds usually come and go quickly in less than two weeks; allergies can hang on a lot longer. While their symptoms are a lot alike, there’s one big difference between colds and allergies. Colds are caused by viruses which means they can be passed from one person to another but allergies occur when your own immune system overreacts to natural substances like dust mites or tree pollen. So while allergies may be troublesome at least you can’t catch one from somebody else. With “Ask the Doctor”; I’m Dr. Bruce Dan.