Because an allergy issue and the common cold share similar symptoms, it can be hard to distinguish which condition currently affects your health. The appropriate treatment will vary depending on the ailment, which is why you should understand the difference between each one. Before visiting a doctor for a diagnosis, find out what could be the source of your problems below.

Allergy Symptoms

Allergies are when the immune system overreacts to environmental substances, such as dust, pollen, mold, and pet hair. The body considers the substance harmful, so it tries to fight off the invader. In response, your immune system releases antibodies, including histamines. This reaction leads to symptoms similar to the common cold, such as a runny nose, sneezing, wheezing, coughing, or watery or itchy eyes.

Allergy symptoms are not contagious, but they can be uncomfortable. While they typically arise when you’re near the stimulus, they could also last for an entire season. 

Irritation and itchiness in the eyes and throat and symptoms occurring for long periods will help distinguish allergies from the common cold. If you experience more severe health problems, visit a doctor who will recommend further treatment options.

Cold Symptoms

A cold develops when a virus affects the respiratory system. It is highly contagious, so most people contract it from being near an infected individual. Sneezing and coughing are the most common ways the illness spreads, although you can also get sick by touching a shared surface. Most of the time, the ailment will go away after seven to 10 days. 

Common cold symptoms include a low-grade fever, body aches, a sore throat, a runny nose, and coughing. If they don’t go away after 10 days or you experience more severe health problems, visit the doctor to prevent the illness from worsening. In this case, your medical provider may perform tests, like a chest X-ray, to determine if you have strep throat or pneumonia. 

If you are looking for a doctor to treat allergy or cold symptoms, visit Walton Family Medicine PC in Monroe, GA. This practice ​​offers comprehensive medical services, from pediatrics and geriatrics to gynecology and sports medicine. They’ll find and treat your illness by using advanced techniques and technology. Visit them online to learn more about their services, and call (770) 267-7093 to schedule an appointment.