What is the main difference between hay fever and the common cold?

The main difference between hay fever (seasonal allergic rhinitis) and the common cold lies in the underlying cause of each. Hay fever is an allergic reaction triggered by the immune system when exposed to specific substances like pollen, whereas the common cold is a viral infection that affects the upper respiratory tract [1].

Hay fever symptoms occur when a person inhales an allergen, such as tree, grass, or ragweed pollen, which is carried by the wind. In contrast, common colds are caused by a viral infection [1].

Hay Fever Symptoms

Hay fever symptoms typically include itching in the nose, mouth, eyes, throat, or other areas, in addition to a runny nose, sneezing, and watery eyes. Later symptoms may include nasal congestion, coughing, clogged ears, and a reduced sense of smell. Sufferers may also experience a sore throat, dark circles under the eyes, puffiness under the eyes, fatigue, irritability, and headache [1].

Hay fever is characterized by symptoms that are often seasonal, coinciding with pollen seasons in the spring, summer, and fall. Symptom severity can be affected by the amount of pollen in the air, increasing on hot, dry, and windy days, and decreasing on cool, damp, and rainy days [1].

Common Cold Symptoms

Although the common cold shares some symptoms with hay fever, such as a runny nose, coughing, and sneezing, it is often accompanied by other symptoms like body aches, fever, and a general feeling of malaise, which are symptoms not typically associated with hay fever [1].

Diagnosis and Differentiation

To diagnose hay fever, a doctor will perform a physical exam and ask about symptoms, focusing on whether symptoms change based on the time of day or season, and exposure to allergens. Allergy tests, such as skin prick tests or blood tests (like IgE RAST tests), may help identify the pollen or other substances triggering the symptoms [1].

Prevention and Treatment

The best way to treat hay fever is to avoid the pollen that triggers the symptoms as much as possible. Exposure can be reduced by staying indoors during pollen season, especially on days when pollen counts are high, and closing windows in the home and car [1], [3].

Treatment options include medications such as antihistamines (which can be in the form of oral pills, nasal sprays, or eye drops), corticosteroid nasal sprays (which are the most effective treatment), and decongestants. In some severe cases or those that do not respond to other treatments, allergy shots (immunotherapy) may be recommended [1].

To help relieve symptoms, saline nasal irrigation can be used to remove mucus from the nose. A saline solution can be purchased ready-made or prepared at home using 1 cup (237 ml) of distilled or boiled and cooled water, half a teaspoon (3 grams) of salt, and a pinch of baking soda [1]. It is important to use treated or distilled water when irrigating the nose [2].

When to See a Doctor?

You should contact a doctor if hay fever symptoms are severe, if treatment that was previously effective no longer works, or if symptoms do not respond to treatment [1]. For more information about seasonal allergic rhinitis, you can visit Hay Fever (Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis): Symptoms, Prevention, and Treatment (Arabic).

Medical references

• Allergic rhinitis
• Hay Fever
• 6 Things To Know About Complementary Health Approaches for Seasonal Allergy Relief