Quiz Helps Distinguish Allergy vs. Cold Symptoms

Understanding the Difference Between Allergies and Colds

Both allergies and colds can cause similar symptoms like sneezing, coughing, and a stuffy nose which makes it hard to tell the difference between the two. Taking an allergies or cold symptoms quiz can help you figure out which one you're likely suffering from so you know how to find the right treatment.

Common Allergy Triggers

Allergies happen when your immune system overreacts to a harmless substance like pollen, pet dander, mold, dust mites, certain foods, insect stings, and medications. These substances cause your body to produce antibodies like histamine which lead to allergy symptoms. Common allergy triggers include:

• Pollen - From grass, trees, weeds
• Pet dander
• Dust mites
• Mold
• Certain foods - Peanuts, eggs, cow's milk, soy, wheat, fish, shellfish
• Insect stings - Bees, wasps, hornets, yellow jackets
• Medications - Penicillin or cephalosporins

Common Cold Causes

Colds are minor viral respiratory infections caused by over 200 viruses including rhinoviruses, coronaviruses, adenoviruses, enteroviruses, and more. You can catch a cold by:

• Inhaling airborne virus particles spread by coughing and sneezing
• Touching your eyes, mouth or nose after touching contaminated surfaces
• Sharing cups, utensils or other personal items with someone who has a cold

Allergy vs. Cold Symptoms Quiz

Timing & Duration of Symptoms

Take this quiz to start determining whether your symptoms are from an allergy or cold:

1. When did symptoms start?
   • Allergies: Often begin at the same time each year when exposure to an allergen resumes
   • Colds: Can happen anytime of year after coming into contact with a virus


2. How long do symptoms last?
   • Allergies: Can be persistent and last for weeks/months during allergy season
   • Colds: Usually last about 1-2 weeks

Common Allergy and Cold Symptoms

Although the timing associated with allergy vs cold symptoms differ, some of the actual symptoms often overlap including:

• Sneezing
• Coughing
• Stuffy, runny nose and nasal congestion
• Watery eyes
• Sore throat
• Headache
• Fatigue or tiredness

Unique Allergy Symptoms

However, those with allergies are also more likely to experience:

• Itchy eyes, nose, throat or skin
• Hives or skin rashes
• Dark under-eye circles
• Recurring ear infections
• Wheezing and trouble breathing
• Anaphylaxis - a life-threatening reaction involving swelling, trouble breathing, lowered blood pressure, dizziness and more

Unique Cold Symptoms

Those with viral colds may also have:

• Fever (allergies do not cause fever)
• Chills and body aches
• Sore throat
• Chest congestion and productive cough with colored mucus

Diagnosing the Cause of Symptoms

If taking an allergies vs cold symptoms quiz made you uncertain whether allergies or something else is to blame, speak to an allergist. They perform allergy testing to pinpoint your triggers and customize treatment so you find allergy relief.

Allergy Testing Methods

Examples of allergy tests used to diagnose allergies include:

• Skin prick test - Pricks extracts of potential allergens into the skin's surface to check for a reaction
• Intradermal tests - Injects small amounts of allergen extracts below the skin
• Blood tests - High levels of antibodies like Immunoglobulin E (IgE) indicate an allergy
• Challenge testing - Exposes you to suspected allergens through ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact to gauge your reaction

Determining a Cold

Colds cannot be confirmed with a diagnostic test. Doctors make a diagnosis of a viral cold based on typical symptoms as well as by ruling out bacterial infections and other medical issues with exams and other tests as needed.

Allergy & Cold Treatments

Once the cause for your stuffy nose and other symptoms are identified, these treatments can provide relief:

Allergy Medications

Medications used to control allergy symptoms include:

• Antihistamines - Block histamine to relieve sneezing, runny nose, itchy and watery eyes
• Decongestants - Reduces swelling and inflammation in nasal passages
• Leukotriene inhibitors - Blocks symptom-triggering leukotrienes
• Nasal sprays - Corticosteroid and antihistamine nasal sprays reduce congestion, sneezing, itching
• Allergy shots - Builds your tolerance to specific allergens over time through regular injections under the skin

Home Remedies for Colds

OTC medications can ease viral cold symptoms while your immune system fights it off. Other cold remedies include:

• Getting enough rest
• Staying well hydrated
• Using a cool-mist vaporizer
• Gargling with salt water
• Having hot tea with honey
• Taking OTC pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen

Preventing Allergies and Colds

While allergies and colds share some similarities, you have to handle each condition differently. But some basic preventive habits can help reduce your chances of developing either issue:

• Wash hands frequently using soap and warm water
• Avoid touching your eyes, mouth and nose
• Clean and disinfect commonly touched surfaces and objects
• Practice social distancing when viral illnesses are going around
• Keep distance from known allergy sources when possible
• Wear a protective face mask on high pollen count days
• Shower after outdoor activities to remove pollen

Learning your distinct allergy causes and symptoms through allergy testing can also help you practice better avoidance year-round. Tracking and managing symptoms is also useful so you discern allergy flare-ups from possible colds more easily.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.