Cold, Flu, & Cough Health Center

Is It a Common Cold or Allergies?

Prevention and Treatment of Colds and Allergies continued...

There is no cure for either the common cold or allergies. But there are ways to ease the cold and allergy symptoms.

To treat either cold or allergy symptoms, you can try:

• Antihistamines , which block the effects of histamine, a natural substance that causes symptoms such as congestion and a runny nose
  
• Decongestants, which reduce swelling in the mucus membranes of the nasal passages, making you feel less stuffy

If you have any medical problems, or take other medicines, talk to your doctor before taking any over-the-counter medicines.

To treat allergy symptoms, your doctor may prescribe:

• Nasal steroids, which reduce swelling in the nasal passages, relieving congestion and other symptoms
  
• Allergy shots, called immunotherapy, which involves being injected with a small amount of the substance to which you are allergic. Over time, the dose is increased. By exposing you to greater and greater amounts of the allergen, your body may develop a tolerance to it and not cause symptoms.

To treat cold symptoms, you may also try:

• Taking over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, such as Advil or Aleve, or Tylenol, to treat fever, aches and pains
• Getting extra rest
• Drinking plenty of fluids

Although cold and nasal allergy symptoms are rarely serious, they can sometimes lead to other problems. For instance, both colds and allergies can lead to sinus infections. Colds may also lead to a middle ear infection. If you think you might have allergies -- or your cold symptoms seem severe or are not getting better -- see your doctor.