Itchy nose, runny nose, cold or allergies?
Distinguishing between a cold, allergies, and an itchy, runny nose can be difficult because they share some similar symptoms. Distinguishing Between a Cold and Allergies and an Itchy, Runny Nose Both colds and allergies cause an itchy, runny nose, but there are some details that can help you differentiate between the two:
Colds
caused by a viral infection. Symptoms usually appear 1-3 days after exposure to someone with a cold. Common symptoms include an itchy nose, runny nose, sore throat, cough, and sometimes fever, muscle aches, and fatigue. Symptoms usually go away on their own within 1-2 weeks.
Allergies
caused by the body’s immune system reacting to allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and animal hair. Common symptoms include an itchy nose, runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes, and an itchy nose, sometimes with watery eyes and nasal congestion. Symptoms often do not go away on their own and require treatment with medication or avoidance of the allergen.
Other factors that help separate
| symptom | cold | allergy |
| period | Cold symptoms are usually temporary, often occur suddenly, and usually resolve within 1-2 weeks. | Allergic symptoms are often chronic or come and go, depending on exposure to the allergen, and come and go throughout the year. |
| fever | Fever is a common symptom of a cold. | Rarely found in allergies |
| Color of mucus | Clear or thick yellow, may be green in some cases. | Sometimes the mucus may be white, cloudy, or yellow, or thick and sticky. |
| Other symptoms | Cough, sore throat, fever (in some cases), muscle aches, fatigue | Itchy eyes, watery eyes, stuffy nose, sneezing, wheezing, asthma (in some cases) |
| Motivating factors | Cold weather, contact with sick people, stress, sleep deprivation | Allergens such as pollen, dust mites, animal hair, mold, dust, smoke |
| Treatment | Rest, drink plenty of fluids, and take cough medicine, decongestants, and fever reducers (as needed). | Avoid allergens, use antihistamines, nasal sprays, eye drops (as prescribed by your doctor). |
Common causes
Colds: Caused by a virus, symptoms usually last about 1-2 weeks. Other symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, and a runny nose. It usually starts out clear and turns green or yellow over time.
Allergy: Caused by the body’s immune system ยูฟ่าเบท reacting to allergens such as dust, dust mites, air allergies, food allergies, or animal dander. Symptoms tend to be chronic or come and go, depending on the allergen. Other symptoms often include itchy eyes, watery eyes, a stuffy nose, sneezing, difficulty breathing, wheezing, and a runny nose, which is usually clear.
Itchy nose and runny nose may be caused by a cold, allergies, or other causes such as exposure to air pollution, dry air, certain foods, and certain medications. Other symptoms must be observed for diagnosis.
A definitive diagnostic approach
Consulting a doctor The doctor will ask about your medical history, perform a physical examination, and may order additional tests, such as blood tests and allergy tests. Allergy tests are tests to find substances that trigger allergic reactions.
Treatment
Colds are usually treated symptomatically, such as taking painkillers, fever reducers, or combination painkillers and fever reducers if associated with symptoms, cough suppressants, expectorants, and getting enough rest.
Allergies: Doctors will recommend avoiding allergens along with appropriate treatment methods, such as taking antihistamines or antihistamines to relieve allergic symptoms such as runny eyes, rashes, and hives. Non-sedating antihistamines such as Loratadine use, along with advice on how to prevent flare-ups. Nasal sprays or nasal drops may be recommend. If symptoms are present.