Allergies vs. common cold: How to tell the difference

Sneezing? Check. Runny nose? Check. Clogged nose? Check.  

What do these health issues have in common? Well, these three are common symptoms of either allergies or common colds that make people feel uncomfortable.  Despite their similarities at first glance, allergies and cold symptoms have major  differences, most notably the underlying causes of these health issues.  

If you constantly wonder if you are dealing with allergies or cold symptoms, let this  guide help you answer pressing questions and learn the differences between these  two. 

Watch Out: Signs of Allergies or the Common Cold 

People with allergies notice symptoms on the body part/s that come into contact with an allergen. This substance is responsible for allergic reactions (more on them  to come later).  

Other signs of allergies, apart from those mentioned earlier, include itchy skin, rashes,  coughing, breathing difficulties, watery and itchy eyes, swollen mucous membranes,  and even stomach and bowel problems. 

On the other hand, those with common colds may notice mucus that starts clear but  turns colored as the illness progresses, alongside a sore or itchy throat, clogged  sinuses, a hoarse voice, and feelings of malaise (feeling unwell).

Unseen Forces That Cause Allergies and the Common Cold 

Although not easy to spot with the naked eye, the most glaring difference between  allergies and common cold symptoms would be their underlying causes. 

Allergy symptoms, which are sometimes called allergic reactions, can be triggered by  allergens in the air like pollen and dust, and even by food, medicines, or insect bites.  When these allergens enter the body, the immune system considers them as foreign  objects and threats and attempts to fight and drive them out of the body.  

For the common cold, rhinoviruses are to blame. This type of virus is said to be  responsible for many cases of the cold in adults and even kids. However, it is also  possible to have a cold due to the influenza viruses, parainfluenza viruses,  adenoviruses, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). These viruses can cause an acute  infection in the upper respiratory tract. 

Unlike allergens that can spread through the air or are found in items, some viruses  that cause a common cold can be transmitted from one human to another by shaking  hands or touching surfaces with traces of the virus. 

Don’t Be Fooled by Differences in These Health Problems! 

Both allergies and cold symptoms can be treated with medicines that address both  the symptoms and their underlying causes. 

Act on allergy symptoms that mask as common cold indicators with the help of an  antihistamine for adults. Alis Allergy Symptoms today with the most doctor prescribed Cetirizine Dihydrochloride (Alnix®)!  

This antihistamine formula contains Cetirizine Dihydrochloride that may help relieve  allergy symptoms like sneezing, runny or itchy nose, itchy and watery eyes, rashes,  and itchy skin in as fast as 15 minutes. Cetirizine Dihydrochloride (Alnix®) may also  help provide up to 24-hour relief.

Say goodbye to confusion caused by allergies and common cold symptoms that look  similar, cause discomfort, and disrupt your daily routines. Let Cetirizine Dihydrochloride  (Alnix®) help relieve the symptoms you’re dealing with today. 

Cetirizine Dihydrochloride (Alnix®) is available online and in leading drugstores  nationwide at a suggested retail price (SRP) of Php32.50 per tablet.  

If symptoms persist, consult your doctor. 

ASC Ref. No. U0182P101724A  

Source: PMDI, IQVIA SOLUTIONS PHILIPPINES, INC., reprinted with permission. IQVIA Prescription  Data of R06A – ANTIHISTAMINES SYSTEMIC in A – Oral Solid Ordinary and B – Oral Solid Retard  Format. Product Launch Year and Molecule covering the period of MAT December 2023  (January 2023 to December 2023). 

References: 

• https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/014556130007900908 
• https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/allergy/articles/10.3389/falgy.2023.1224988/full ● https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/18/22/12105
• https://ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK447112/

ADVT.

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