Difference Between Colds and Allergies

Colds vs Allergies

Allergies and colds are two different conditions which originate from different causes. People almost always interchange the two conditions with each other. This is an understandable mistake because the two conditions are quite similar.

Colds are caused by numerous viruses. When a single virus gets into the patient’s body, the immune system is activated to attack this microorganism. Some of the outcomes of this immune reaction are the classic manifestations of this condition, such as coughing and congestion. The pathogen that causes this condition is infectious and, at the same time, contagious. The patient can catch them when the affected individual coughs, sneezes, or shakes hands with another individual. After several days, the immune system attacks and destroys the virus, and the patient ceases to have manifestations.

An allergy is caused by a very sensitive immune system. For some instances, the body can respond to mistakenly harmless objects, such as pollen and mold, and attack its own systems because of the exposure to substances termed as “allergens.” The body liberates certain chemicals or substances like histamine just as the immune system does when it fights cold-causing viruses. This response may cause inflammation inside the nasal pathways, runny nose, sneezing, and coughing. An allergy is not contagious although some patients can inherit a tendency to have it.

The differences between allergies and colds are somewhat distinct. Various characteristics of these two conditions differ from each other. The duration of a cold’s condition is from 3 to 14 days while an allergy can last as long as the patient is exposed to a particular allergen. Colds usually appear most frequently in the winter, but they can possibly occur at any time. On the other hand, an allergy can occur at any period of the year although the incidence of some allergies is seasonal. The manifestations of colds can commence after a few days subsequent to the infection with the pathogen. Manifestations of an allergy can start immediately subsequent to the exposure to allergens.

Manifestations of these two conditions also vary from one another. Symptoms of colds frequently include: cough, sore throat, and stuffy or runny nose. Aches and fatigue sometimes occur along with colds. Watery, itchy eyes, and fever rarely occur in this condition. Symptoms of allergies frequently include watery, itchy eyes, and stuffy or runny nose. Cough, sore throat, and fatigue may sometimes be exhibited by a patient with an allergy. Aches and fever never occur in patients with this condition.

Because of the origins of allergies and colds, manifestations are quite different. Preventing these symptoms needs various strategies. To avert allergy manifestations, the patient should avoid substances that he is allergic to or allergens. If the patient is allergic to mold, then he should avoid exposing himself to this substance. The common allergens are: pollen, animal dander, cockroaches, mold, and dust mites. To prevent manifestations of colds, the patient must stop the virus that causes colds from getting into his system. Avoid persons who have colds especially in public places. Perform hand washing frequently. To look after other persons, constantly cover your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing.

Summary:

1.The duration of a cold’s condition is from 3 to 14 days while an allergy can last as long as the patient is exposed to a particular allergen.

2.Colds usually appear most frequently in the winter, but they can possibly occur at any time. On the other hand, an allergy can occur at any period of the year although the incidence of some allergies is seasonal.

3.The manifestations of colds can commence after a few days subsequent to the infection with the pathogen. Manifestations of an allergy can start immediately subsequent to the exposure to allergens.

4.Symptoms of colds frequently include: cough, sore throat, and stuffy or runny nose. Symptoms of allergies frequently include watery, itchy eyes, and stuffy or runny nose.

5.Aches and fatigue sometimes occur along with colds. Cough, sore throat, and fatigue may sometimes be exhibited by a patient with allergies.

6.Watery, itchy eyes, and fever rarely occur with colds. Aches and fever never occur in patients with allergies.

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