How you can tell if you have a cold or allergy
Your nose is running, your eyes are burning and you can’t stop sneezing – cold season is upon us again. But the same symptoms can indicate allergies, even in autumn and winter. Here’s how to tell if you’ve caught an infection or are having an allergic reaction.
The reason for a runny nose in autumn and winter is obvious: a cold, of course. After all, the typical hay fever season has been and gone, right? That’s not entirely true.
Allergies can strike in autumn too: pollen count and other allergens
Due to global warming and the associated milder winters, the period of pollen count has extended and sometimes goes into November. Thus, the pollen map of the Allergy Centre Switzerland (page in German) still shows an – albeit weak – presence of pollen caused by grasses in October. The German Allergy and Asthma Association (page in German) have pointed out that there will be pollen from grasses, mugwort, ragweed, nettle, knotweed and cedar in October and November. In addition, autumn releases more allergens and fungal spores from the dry, decaying autumn leaves. Last but not least, dust mite season is starting now.
Reason enough to check where the colds, sneezing and swollen mucous membranes are coming from:
Cold or allergy?
Runny nose: When your nose runs, it can indicate both a cold and an allergy. However, you can quickly find out what you’re dealing with by taking a look at the secretion. During an infection, bacteria are transported out of the nose with the nasal mucus: it’s then thick and yellowish. As a result, the nose is also usually blocked. In the case of allergy, on the other hand, the nose runs continuously, the mucus is thin and clear.
Sneezing attacks: both colds and allergies make you sneeze. When you have a cold, you sneeze every now and then, whereas with an allergy you’re more likely to have sneezing fits. If you’re exposed to an allergen, the body fights back and tries to sneeze the intruders out again. With allergies, sneezing often occurs suddenly, especially when you come into contact with the allergen.
Sudden symptoms: With colds, symptoms usually worsen gradually. What starts with mild fatigue and a tingly nose develops into more severe cold symptoms over the course of one to two days. Whereas with allergens, the body usually reacts within five to 20 minutes. In other words, the symptoms are often strong and sudden.
Accompanying symptoms: Colds as well as allergies are often accompanied by additional symptoms such as fatigue, weakness and exhaustion. In the case of an infection, these occur from the beginning. With allergies, the lack of energy often comes after the first symptoms.
Duration of symptoms: A cold usually subsides within seven to 14 days. Allergic reactions, on the other hand, can last longer if you’re still in contact with the triggering allergen.
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Science editor and biologist. I love animals and am fascinated by plants, their abilities and everything you can do with them. That's why my favourite place is always outside - somewhere in nature, preferably in my wild garden.
