The Difference Between Symptoms of Hay Fever and a Cold

Many people experience symptoms of hay fever (also called allergic rhinitis) on a regular basis. Hay fever is caused by allergens that the body reacts to by creating inflammation in the lining of the nasal cavity. This inflammation is part of the body’s defense against invaders. All of the symptoms of hay fever are the result of the body trying to kick out an ‘attack’ by the allergens.
Because the symptoms of hay fever are caused by the body’s reaction to attack, it can often resemble a common cold. However, there are several differences between the two conditions.
The biggest visible difference between hay fever and a cold is the runny nose. Both hay fever and a cold cause runny noses, but blowing your nose when you are dealing with hay fever leaves clear, watery stuff on the tissue. When you have a cold, the discharge from your nose will be yellowish or sometimes green.
Fever is also a noticeable difference between the two – hay fever does not cause a fever, but most colds have a mild fever.
Probably the most important difference for many people between symptoms of a hay fever and a cold is that colds end. The symptoms of a cold will last from five to seven days, and then go away. Symptoms of hay fever last as long as you are exposed to the allergens. Since many people have seasonal allergies, anyone who is dealing with a month long ‘cold’ is probably actually experiencing symptoms of hay fever.
Treatment for a cold and hay fever are also similar. Symptoms of both can be treated with over the counter medication for congestion, though hay fever responds better to antihistamines then standard congestion medicines. For severe allergies, doctors may prescribe stronger medication, so if over the counter medication isn’t helping, try talking with your doctor about what she recommends.