Has sneezing, nasal congestion and runny nose ruined your day?
Since both conditions share similar symptoms, most people need help distinguishing between allergies and the common cold. Our experts dive into the differences so you can choose effective treatment for relief.
Allergies vs. Cold Symptoms
Allergies
Allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to harmless substances such as pollen, dust mites or pet dander. Your body releases chemicals like histamine that cause unpleasant reactions. Common allergy symptoms include sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, itchy or watery eyes and itchy throat or ears.1 These symptoms typically persist as long as exposure to the allergen continues and do not cause fever.
Cold
The common cold is a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract.2 Symptoms often include sore throat, cough, congestion, slight body aches and low-grade fever. Colds usually develop gradually and resolve within 7 to 10 days.3
Some Key Differences
Onset and Duration
Allergy symptoms begin immediately after exposure to allergens and persist as long as exposure continues.4 Cold symptoms develop gradually and typically resolve within a week or two.
Itchiness
Itchy eyes, nose or throat are common with allergies but rare with colds.5
Fever and Body Aches
Colds may cause fever and body aches, whereas people with seasonal allergies almost never have body aches or fever.6
Therapeutic Approaches for Relief
Whether you're dealing with allergies or a cold, several science-backed therapies can help alleviate symptoms and accelerate recovery.
For Allergy Symptom Relief
IV Drip Therapy
IV Therapy delivers essential vitamins and minerals directly into the bloodstream, potentially boosting the immune system and reducing inflammation.
For example, Vitamin C is a natural antihistamine that can help reduce allergy symptoms.7 Taurine, which is also available to add to your customized drip, is another natural antihistamine that helps to protect airways.8
Infrared Sauna
Infrared Saunas use infrared light to penetrate the skin, promoting detoxification through gentle sweating.9 This process may help eliminate toxins and allergens, potentially reducing the severity of allergic reactions.10 Additionally, Infrared Saunas can help improve circulation and promote relaxation, which may lower stress—an important factor since stress can worsen allergic reactions.11, 12
Red Light Therapy
Have you ever tried professional-grade Red Light Therapy? Imagine a quick, 10-minute session where you stand between two panels of red light in a private room. This therapy has been shown to reduce inflammation and modulate immune responses and was reported to reduce allergy symptoms by up to 72%.13
For Cold Symptom Relief
IV Drip Therapy
Since IV Therapy can provide fast-acting immune support, it's a great option if you think you have a cold as you can customize your drip with essential vitamins key for cold symptom relief.
B Complex Vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6) can help increase antibodies and immunity.14 Meanwhile, Vitamin C is known for being essential for a strong immune system due to its antioxidant properties, and can also help reduce the duration and severity of cold symptoms.15,16,17
“Glutathione and Vitamin D are great micronutrients for immunity, and Vitamin C pairs well with Zinc to combat cold symptoms,” shared Niki Patel, Manager of Medical Operations and RN at Restore Hyper Wellness.
Red Light Therapy
By reducing inflammation and promoting cellular repair, Red Light Therapy may help alleviate symptoms and support recovery from colds.18,19,20
In a double-blind, randomized study, Red Light Therapy demonstrated that it might have a therapeutic impact on COVID-19 by reducing inflammatory cytokines, including IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-alpha.21
Why does this matter?
The body's immune response to the cold virus often involves a surge in inflammatory cytokines like IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-alpha.22 While these cytokines play a crucial role in fighting infections, an excessive inflammatory response—often called a "cytokine storm"—can worsen flu symptoms, leading to increased fatigue, body aches, congestion and prolonged recovery.23
Cryotherapy
You’ve heard of cold plunges, but this is different. This therapy involves exposing the entire body to sub-zero temperatures for up to 3 minutes while you’re safely standing in a special chamber. Cryotherapy may help reduce inflammation and pain, potentially providing relief from certain cold symptoms.24, 25
Clear the Air: Find the Right Therapies
Knowing the differences between allergies and colds can help you select the right therapies for your needs. While traditional treatment methods are important, these therapies can help expedite relief.
Whether it’s the sniffles or sneezes, we can help you pick the perfect mix for your wellness needs. Book your appointments today!
Medical services are provided by an independently-owned physician practice. Some services may require medical clearance and a prescription. We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone. Services, therapies, ingredients and prices may vary per location. The content on our site, blog posts, educational materials, app, promotional newsletters, and any other written content are not intended to replace an evaluation with a qualified healthcare professional and are not intended as medical advice.
