A Winter's Headache Could Mean Allergies Instead of a Cold, Says Medical Group

On Monday, the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) announced that a runny nose, headaches, and watery eyes are often blamed on the common cold, but they may really be signs of allergies.

Allergies are caused by exposure to airborne allergens like dust mites, furry pets, mold, fungi, and pollen. The body of an individual with allergic disease "identifies" certain allergens as harmful, although they are in reality harmless to most people. This false identification of potential harm triggers the allergic reactions within the person's immune system.

Symptoms of allergies include the aforementioned ones, plus sneezing, trouble breathing, coughing, and post nasal drip. Post nasal drip can cause mild nausea because of the phlegm that it causes to drip into the stomach.

Colds, on the other hand, may include any of those symptoms, but probably also include fevers, aching joints or muscles, and a sore throat.

"Millions of Americans think they are suffering from a cold during the winter months when they're actually experiencing allergies...The main difference is the length of time symptoms last. A cold normally disappears after a week or so, but allergies can last much longer," said Anju Peters, MD, Chair of the AAAAI's Rhinosinusitis Committee.

Falsely identifying allergies as a cold can lead to overmedication or taking ineffective medication. Some medications can also become addictions, so knowing the difference between the two maladies is important for one's health.

This journalist can provide personal testimony, because I am highly sensitive to the aforementioned allergens. I have them to one degree or another most of the year, and I have to fend off vicious "surges" at the onset of Spring and in early October when the trees in deciduous forest regions give off one last, desperate blast of pollen. These surges last for a week or two and can make me feel lethargic mentally and physically.

However, I have not had a cold in over 22 years.