Do You Have Allergic Rhinitis or Cold?
If you suffer from a cough, congestion, runny nose or a sore throat, usually the first thought is a cold or flu. However, these symptoms could also indicate an allergy. It can be hard to tell them apart because the symptoms of a cold and allergic rhinitis are similar. However, if you get a cold during a specific time or season of the year, it is more likely to be a result of allergic rhinitis. With similar characteristics and symptoms, is it possible to tell the difference between a cold and allergic rhinitis? To help you understand better, let us explain the difference.
Cold Vs Allergic Rhinitis
The most basic difference between seasonal allergic rhinitis or perennial allergic rhinitis and a common cold lies in its causes. You can get a cold when germs or a virus enter your body. There are more than 100 different types of germs and viruses that can lead to the symptoms of a cold. When these germs enter your body, your body’s natural defence – the immune system launches a counter-attack to protect your body. The classic symptoms such as a cough or a stuffy nose are due to your immune system’s response to these germs. Moreover, the viruses that cause a cold or flu are contagious. It can be transmitted through sneezes, cough or even a hand shake.
Allergic Rhinitis
Unlike the common cold, the causes of allergic rhinitis are different. It is not caused by a virus. An overreactive immune system causes symptoms of allergic rhinitis. Your body’s immune system mistakes harmless particles such as dust, pollen or pet dander as allergens. The immune system then launches an attack against them. This results in inflammation in the respiratory tract. It's a very common condition and is estimated to affect 20-30% of Indians. (Source: NCBI)
Common allergic rhinitis symptoms like swelling in the passageways of your nose, sneezing and coughing are all due to this chemical release in your body. You may inherit allergic rhinitis but unlike a cold or flu, rhinitis is not contagious.
Moreover, the difference in the history of the illness and duration of symptoms can also offer clues as to which condition is present. To identify whether you have a cold or an allergy, you can also consider the following differences:
The Difference in the Symptoms
Respiratory Allergy Symptoms include:
- Itchy watery eyes
- Sneezing
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sore throat (rarely)
- Skin rashes
- Allergy cough (sometimes)
- Fatigue
Common cold symptoms include:
- Stuffed and runny nose
- Body pain and fever (sometimes)
- Sore throat
- Fatigue and weakness
- Sneezing
- Cough
How to tell the difference?
Here are some of the questions that can help you understand whether you have a cold or allergic rhinitis:
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How quickly do the symptoms appear?
When the symptoms appear out of nowhere, they are more likely caused by an allergy. When you experience mild symptoms which gradually increase over a day or two, it can be cold.
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Does your symptoms occur at specific times?
If your symptoms occur at the same time or season every year, it can be due to seasonal allergies.
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Do your eyes itch or do you get a skin infection?
Allergic rhinitis is usually accompanied by itchy eyes or even eczema. Whereas, cold does not cause these conditions.
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How long have the symptoms been around?
Seasonal allergic symptoms tend to last as long as you are still in contact with the allergens. The common cold tends to last 3-7 days and in rare cases, it can go on longer than 14 days.
Has your cold lasted for more than 14 days? Perhaps, it’s time to visit a specialist to check if it’s allergic rhinitis. You can also take our allergy evaluation test, to assess the current state of your allergies.
If left untreated, allergic rhinitis can also lead to further complications that include:
- Nasal polyposis
- Sinusitis
- Ear Infections or
- Asthma
These complications can often be treated and controlled with the right treatment. A homeopathic specialist can help you find a stable treatment.
Respiratory Allergy Treatment
There are several differences in how each condition is treated. The treatment for a common cold involves getting plenty of rest and staying well hydrated. In mild conditions, over-the-counter medications can target both cold and allergies. However, most of the conventional treatments may come with risks and side-effects. The good news is that allergies can be controlled by treating the root cause. Homeopathy safely addresses the root cause without any side-effects. On the other hand, you can also try to reduce the exposure to allergens that you suspect. While it is difficult to avoid allergens completely, prevention and long-term control treatments are important to increase the disease-free period.
Homeopathy for Allergic Rhinitis Treatment
Allergic rhinitis is a disease related to dysfunctionality in your immune system; therefore, the homeopathic treatment focuses on enhancing your immune system. Homeopathic medicine for allergic rhinitis focuses on calming the effects of this condition so your immune system becomes less reactive towards the allergens.
In a clinical study, 123 patients with allergic rhinitis were provided with homeopathic allergic rhinitis treatment. Their progress was marked by a symptom score and a reduction in impaired quality of life (QOL). The effect of their symptoms reduced from 10.3 to 3.9 and their impaired QOL score went down from 5 to 1. (Source: KargerJournal)
At Dr Batra’s®, our homeopathic doctors conduct an in-depth consultation and devise a unique, individualized treatment. To provide the best results, the latest technology and homeopathy is combined. The allergy treatment incorporates homeopathic medicines, diet and lifestyle tips for the complete well-being of the patient. Our homeopathic experts will recommend a treatment to reduce the severity of the disease and help you breathe easier. As authenticated by the American Quality Assessors, Dr. Batra’s® has an overall success rate of 96.2% in treating all respiratory conditions. Early intervention with the right treatment can help you manage this condition better. To get an individualized, effective and safe treatment for all your allergies, book an appointment with us: Book an online appointment.
