What are the Differences between Colds and Allergies?

Fall allergies happen because of ragweed and outdoor molds. Other factors include specific plants that become pollinated in the fall, such as certain weeds, trees and flowers, e.g. Russian thistle, sagebrush and cedar elm. However, some children suffer from allergies throughout the year.

Apart from that, children also catch cold during autumn due to the spread of viruses. Let us take a look at the differences between colds and allergies. To start with, it is very important to know the difference between cold and allergies, as the medications for them differ greatly. Colds might not need any medications at all, but medicines containing decongestants and cough suppressants can help it to be alleviated to a great extent. On the other hand, the allergies can be treated with antihistamines or nasal steroids. If a person suffering from a cold goes to a doctor, he or she may be prescribed with unnecessary antibiotics.

The common cold and allergies have very similar characteristics, such as watery eyes, runny noses, sneezing, headaches, coughs and itchy throats. However, mucus from runny noses will turn yellow or green after three to five days in the case of colds. In case of allergies, however, it will remain clear.