24 Feb Hay fever or a cold: what do I have?
Sneezing and a congested or Constantly runny nose - typical symptoms that plague many people, especially in spring and autumn. However, it is not always immediately clear whether they are caused by a cold or hay fever, i.e. an allergic reaction. It is important to make the right distinction, as this determines the appropriate treatment. While a harmless infection usually subsides after a short time, allergic symptoms can persist for weeks or recur repeatedly, significantly reducing quality of life. But how can you recognise what exactly triggers the symptoms? A closer look at the symptoms and their progression provides information.
Hay fever vs. the common cold: what you need to know
Hay fever (also: allergic rhinitis)
Hay fever is an overreaction of the immune system to harmless substances such as pollen from trees, grasses or herbs. As soon as these allergens come into contact with the mucous membranes, the body releases more Histamine a messenger substance that triggers typical symptoms such as sneezing, itching, a runny or blocked nose and watery eyes.
The symptoms occur seasonally when the respective plants are in bloom. In the case of year-round allergic rhinitis, other allergens such as house dust mites or animal dander can also be the cause. If left untreated, hay fever can severely impair quality of life and in some cases lead to chronic symptoms or asthma.
Cold and sniffles
A cold is an infection of the upper respiratory tract caused by viruses, typically accompanied by symptoms such as a sore throat, cough, runny nose, headache, aching limbs and sometimes fever. It is usually transmitted by droplet or smear infection and usually heals on its own within one to two weeks. A cold can be caused by various viruses, such as rhinoviruses or adenoviruses.
A cold (rhinitis) is one of the most common symptoms of a cold. In the case of a viral infection, the nasal mucous membrane swells, produces increased secretions and can cause both a blocked nose as well as nasal discharge. This is usually clear at first and often becomes thicker as the cold progresses.
Hay fever or a cold: how to recognise what you have
As hay fever and a cold are similar in their symptoms, it can sometimes be difficult to distinguish between them. However, some characteristics can help to identify what is behind the symptoms:
Type and duration of symptoms
- Hay fever
The symptoms occur suddenly and persist for as long as the contact with allergens lasts - often for weeks or months. - Cold
The symptoms usually develop gradually and subside after about one to two weeks.
Nasal discharge and sneezing
- Hay fever
The nose usually runs with a clear, watery secretion. Severe sneezing attacks often occur. - Cold
The nasal discharge is initially clear, but often becomes thicker and yellowish or greenish as the illness progresses. A sneeze occurs in the early stages of a cold and is a natural reaction of the body to remove pathogens from the airways.
Accompanying complaints
- Hay fever
Severe itching in the nose, eyes and sometimes also in the throat is typical. Watery, reddened eyes are common. Fever does not occur. - Cold
A sore throat, cough and sometimes fever are often present. Itching, on the other hand, is atypical.
Influence of the environment
- Hay fever
The symptoms worsen on contact with pollen, for example outdoors or with an open window. The symptoms usually improve indoors or in the rain. - Cold
The symptoms remain the same regardless of the environment.
Reaction to antiallergic drugs
- Hay fever
Antihistamines usually relieve the symptoms quickly. - Cold
Allergy medication has no effect.
Hay fever or a cold: an allergy test can provide clarity
If you are unsure or suffer from discomfort over a longer period of time, you should always seek medical advice. A Allergy test helps with the diagnosis and the initiation of the appropriate treatment.
In our ENT practice clinic Goethe10 in Frankfurt allergy diagnosis is carried out using a combination of a detailed medical history, physical examination and specific tests to identify the allergens that trigger the allergy.
Medical history and examination
Firstly, we take your medical history in order to recognise possible allergic triggers and symptoms. This is followed by an examination of the mucous membranes to identify indications of allergic reactions.
Skin tests
Skin tests are the preferred diagnostic tool for allergies of the immediate type. The most common test is the prick test, which we carry out on the inside of your forearm. We apply standardised allergen extracts in drop form to your skin and prick it lightly with a fine lancet. After 20 minutes, we assess any reddening of the skin and wheals in comparison with control solutions. Intradermal tests, scratch and rub tests can also be used, especially if non-standardised allergens are to be tested.
Blood tests
In addition to skin testing, we can also carry out blood tests that detect specific IgE antibodies against certain allergens. These tests are particularly useful if skin tests are not possible or additional confirmation is required.
We evaluate the results of all tests in the context of the medical history in order to ensure a precise diagnosis and create a personalised treatment plan.
Diagnosed with hay fever: And now?
If you have been diagnosed with hay fever, there are various treatment options available to alleviate the symptoms and prevent long-term complications such as allergic asthma. The therapy depends on the severity of your symptoms and covers three main areas: Allergen avoidance, medication and hyposensitisation.
Allergen avoidance: minimise contact with pollen
The best protection against hay fever is to reduce contact with the pollen that triggers it as much as possible.
Here are some tips:
- Use pollen count forecasts
On days with high levels of stress, it may be better to limit time spent outdoors. - Keep windows closed
Especially in the morning and evening, when the pollen concentration is at its highest, it is helpful to "block out" pollen by closing the windows. - Change clothes after spending time outdoors
Pollen likes to settle on fabrics and hair. Changing clothes and showering in the evening helps to reduce discomfort. - Regular nasal irrigation
Saline solution can be used to remove pollen from the mucous membranes. - Air purifier with HEPA filter
They are there to reduce the pollen load indoors.
Medication: targeted relief of symptoms
Various medications can quickly and effectively alleviate hay fever symptoms:
- Antihistamines
Cetirizine or loratadine, for example, block the effect of histamine and relieve itching, sneezing and a runny nose. - Nasal sprays containing cortisone
Mometasone, fluticasone or similar have an anti-inflammatory effect and are particularly helpful for a blocked nose. - Eye drops with antihistamines
They reduce itching and redness in allergy-related eye complaints. - Mast cell stabilisers
Cromoglicic acid, for example, helps prevent the release of histamine. - Further medication may be necessary in the case of severe symptoms or allergic asthma.
Hyposensitisation: combating the allergy in the long term
Specific immunotherapy (hyposensitisation) is the only treatment that directly addresses the cause of the allergy. Your immune system is gradually acclimatised to the allergen so that the allergic reaction subsides. This therapy can be carried out using injections (SCIT) or tablets/drops (SLIT) and usually takes several years.
Treat hay fever: Symptom-free through the allergy season with your ENT clinic in Frankfurt
Every hay fever is individual - so it's worth working with us to find the optimum treatment strategy. With the right therapy, the allergy season can be much more pleasant for you.
Feel free to contact us to arrange an appointment for diagnostics and counselling!
Do you have any questions on this topic or would you like to arrange a consultation?
ENT Frankfurt: Dr Thomas Fischer & Dr Albrecht Linke
Your specialists for ear, nose and throat medicine, who will provide you with professional and individualised advice, examinations and treatment in all matters relating to ENT medicine, functional plastic surgery and the aesthetic treatment of changes to the facial skin.
Our news articles are prepared for you to the best of our knowledge and belief and are intended for general education. They are in no way a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis and treatment and are not intended to encourage self-diagnosis or self-treatment. Please always contact your ENT specialist in Frankfurt directly if you have any health complaints!
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