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When Your Nose Is Dripping, Your Throat’s Scratchy And Your Eyes Won’t Stop Itching, It’s Easy To Assume You’re Coming Down With A Cold. But......
However, millions of people in the United Kingdom experience hay fever and other allergies, and many confuse one for the other. Understanding the difference can help you manage your symptoms and start feeling like yourself
1. You Experience Seasonal Patterns
If your symptoms flare up at the same time every year — usually when spring brings a fresh wave of pollen — you’re probably dealing with allergies, not a cold. Rain, wind and sun all influence pollen counts, which is why allergies can vary year to year.
Cold viruses can strike any time, but they’re most common in winter, with some adults getting two to three colds per year. Allergies result from environmental triggers, such as pollen in spring and grass and mould spores during summer and autumn. Effects may persist for weeks or months.
Try keeping a symptom diary. Note when symptoms begin, what exposure you had and how long the symptoms last. Over-the-counter antihistamines like cetirizine or loratadine relieve allergy symptoms for 12-24 hours, and you could also speak with a pharmacist or GP for steroid nasal sprays or immunotherapy if your condition is severe.
2. You Have an Itchy Throat, Eyes or Ears
Colds rarely cause itching. If you constantly rub your eyes or have an itch at the back of your throat, that’s a strong allergy signal.
Itchy, watery eyes are especially common with hay fever and pet allergies. The same histamine response can also irritate your ears and nasal passages, which is unlikely with a cold.
Antihistamines are your first line of defence. Use antihistamine drops for itchy eyes, and consider switching to glasses during peak allergy days if you wear contact lenses.
3. Your Cough Is Dry and Triggered by Post-Nasal Drip
Colds feature a productive cough with thick mucus that turns yellow or green over time. Allergy-related coughs tend to be dry and caused by post-nasal drip.
That constant tickle in your throat? It’s often the result of thin, clear mucus running down the back of your throat after allergens irritate your nasal passages.
Rinse out your sinuses with a saline spray or irrigate with a neti pot to reduce the drip. If your cough persists, an antihistamine and nasal spray combination can ease the inflammation.
4. You Don’t Have a Fever or Body Aches
A raised temperature or aching muscles are typical signs that your body is fighting a virus. Allergies don’t trigger the same immune response, so you shouldn’t feel feverish or sore.
Rest and managing your environment help. Shower after time outdoors to boost your immune system with cold water. Wash bedding regularly, and keep windows closed during high pollen days. HEPA filters can also reduce indoor allergens.
5. Your Symptoms Last Longer Than a Week
Colds generally improve within one to two weeks as the immune system fights pathogens. If your symptoms drag on for weeks, it’s likely not a cold. Persistent nasal congestion, sneezing fits and watery eyes may suggest ongoing allergy exposure.
Over-the-counter treatments can help, but if the allergies interfere with your quality of life, consult your GP about pinpointing triggers.
When to Get Professional Advice
If you’re unsure whether you’re fighting off a bug or battling allergens, don’t guess. Untreated allergies can lead to sinus infections or exacerbate asthma. Likewise, colds that linger may need attention if symptoms worsen or new ones appear. Your GP or pharmacist can help you find relief.
