The difference between rhinitis and cold symptoms

Rhinitis and colds are both relatively common among the government, especially some of their symptoms are often difficult to distinguish. Both are prone to sneezing and runny nose, and both are prone to fever. Of course, if you look closely, the difference between the two is quite large. Colds can occur all year round, while allergic rhinitis is more likely to occur in spring and autumn. The duration of the other two diseases varies, and the color of the snot can also be used to further judge.

The difference between rhinitis and cold symptoms

■ When symptoms started

Although colds can occur throughout the year, they are more common in spring and winter, and often occur several days after we are infected by a virus.

The peak seasons for allergic rhinitis are spring and autumn, and symptoms often appear immediately after we come into contact with allergens. If symptoms such as itchy nose, sneezing, runny nose, and nasal congestion occur at the same time every year, it is more likely to be allergic rhinitis rather than a cold.

■ How long symptoms last

A cold usually lasts 3 to 14 days. It is a self-limiting disease and may heal on its own even if you ignore it. Symptoms of allergic rhinitis may disappear within minutes or last for weeks, or longer if the allergens are not removed promptly or are not treated.

■ Color of snot

Although the color of snot is not the key to distinguishing between colds and allergic rhinitis, it can still provide us with some clues.

The nasal discharge of patients with colds will change. In the early stages of a cold, the nasal discharge is usually clear water-like. After 2-3 days, the nasal discharge begins to thicken, and later may turn yellow or green. If your child's nasal discharge is yellow or green, has been present for less than 10 days, and has not had sinusitis before, your doctor is more likely to suspect a cold or nasal infection.

The nasal discharge of patients with allergic rhinitis is clear, and some of it flows out like water. However, if allergic rhinitis is not treated promptly for many years and secondary sinusitis occurs, yellow nasal discharge will appear.

■ Whether there is fever and muscle pain

Although allergic rhinitis is also called "hay fever", it does not cause fever when it occurs. On the contrary, a cold may cause low fever, mild chills and headache, while influenza may cause obvious fever and body aches.