Is it Nasal Allergies or a Cold?
Nasal allergies and colds share many of the same symptoms, so it can be difficult to tell them apart.
But colds are caused by viruses, and nasal allergy symptoms are caused by a response to allergens, so how you go about treating them is very different.
Colds can last up to 2 weeks or so, and are contagious—they can be spread from one person to another. Nasal allergy symptoms usually last longer, and cannot be spread.
This chart, from the National Institutes of Health, shows some key differences between nasal allergies and colds. Your health care provider can help you determine whether your symptoms are being caused by nasal allergies or a cold, and recommend the best way to treat them.
| Symptoms | Colds | Nasal Allergies |
|---|---|---|
| General Aches, Pains | Slight | Never |
| Sneezing | Usual | Usual |
| Runny Nose | Common | Common |
| Stuffy Nose | Common | Common |
| Fever | Rare | Never |
| Duration | 3 to 14 Days | Weeks |
| Common Treatments |
OTC cold remedies Decongestants Non-steroidal acetaminophen medicines |
Antihistamines Nasal steroids Decongestants |
| Ways to Control |
Wash hands often Avoid contact with anyone with a cold |
Avoid things you are allergic to, such as pollen, dust mites, mold, pet dander, cockroaches |
For the treatment of seasonal and perennial nasal allergy symptoms...
NASONEX® is a prescription nasal allergy spray approved for the treatment of seasonal and perennial nasal allergy symptoms in adults and children 2 years of age and older. Taken just once a day as directed by your doctor, NASONEX® helps relieve nasal allergy symptoms. These symptoms are itchy nose, runny nose, sneezing and congestion. NASONEX® helps by treating nasal allergy symptoms caused by dust mites, pet dander, even tree and grass pollen. Improvement can occur within 11 hours of initial treatment (based on studies done in a park during the pollen season and in a controlled pollen exposure room). The maximum benefit of NASONEX® is usually achieved within 1 to 2 weeks.
To help prevent most seasonal nasal allergy symptoms...
NASONEX® is the only prescription nasal spray clinically proven and FDA-approved to help prevent most seasonal nasal allergy symptoms in adults and children 12 years and older in addition to treating them once they occur. To help prevent most seasonal nasal allergy symptoms before they start, begin treatment 2 to 4 weeks before the anticipated start of the pollen season. It is important that you take NASONEX® regularly at the time recommended by your doctor, since its effectiveness depends on regular use.
And treatment of nasal polyps...
NASONEX® is proven effective to treat nasal polyps in patients 18 years and older.
Ask your doctor about NASONEX®
Talk to your doctor or health care professional to see whether NASONEX® is right for you or your child.
Important Safety Information About NASONEX®
Side effects were generally mild and included headache, viral infection, sore throat, nosebleeds, and coughing.
For additional important product information, see the NASONEX® Prescribing Information.
Available by prescription only.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA.
Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
This site is intended for use by U.S. residents.
NASONEX is a registered trademark of Schering Corp., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc.