How to tell pollen allergy from a cold: itchy nose and itchy eyes are key clues

A few features you can compare

• Allergy: clear, watery runny nose, obvious itching of the nose, eyes and throat, and sneezing that often comes in bursts
• Cold: often comes with a sore throat, tiredness and a mild fever; the runny nose may slowly become thicker, and it eases within about a week
• Timing: allergy often comes back in the same season or the same setting, and can last for weeks
• Triggers: symptoms that get worse after going outside, being near flowers and plants, opening windows for fresh air, or cleaning point more towards allergy

Why the difference matters

The two are managed in different ways: allergy needs avoidance of triggers and proper management, while infection needs symptom relief, rest and steps to avoid passing it on. If you treat allergy as a "repeated cold" and use medicine on your own for a long time, it may help only a little and could delay proper assessment and management.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor if symptoms last more than two weeks in a row, come at the same time every year, clearly affect your sleep, work or study, or come with wheezing, chest tightness or a reduced sense of smell. You can go to the allergy department or an ear, nose and throat department. When you go, explain clearly when and where your symptoms appear and what comes with them. If needed, the doctor may arrange allergen testing to find out what you are sensitised to.

This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Please follow your doctor's instructions.