Every winter, countless people find themselves battling a runny nose, sneezing fits, and persistent congestion. Most instinctively blame a seasonal cold. But according to experts, many of these “winter colds” are actually winter allergies, a lesser-recognised but extremely common problem that intensifies as we spend more time indoors.
“People often assume it’s just a cold when their nose won’t stop running in winter, but the real culprits are frequently winter allergies,” explains Dr Ankur Bambhania, Consultant, Critical Care and Internal Medicine, HCG Hospital Bhavnagar. Because symptoms overlap so closely, many struggle to tell one from the other. Yet, distinguishing between the two is important. “A cold runs its course, but allergies can continue
indefinitely,” he adds.
How Winter Allergies Mimic a Cold
Winter allergies and common colds can look nearly identical at first glance. Both can cause sneezing, a runny nose, coughing, and general discomfort. However, they behave quite differently.
Colds typically involve:
Sneezing
Thick or colored mucus
Sore throat
Mild body aches
Low-grade fever
Symptoms lasting 7–10 days
Allergies, on the other hand, often present as:
Sneezing
Clear, watery mucus
Itchy, watery eyes
Symptoms triggered by specific environments or seasons
“Allergies do not cause fever or systemic fatigue the way colds do,” says Dr M Ravi Kumar, Senior Consultant (Internal Medicine), Sakra World Hospital Bengaluru. “Cold mucus becomes thicker and yellowish, while allergies usually produce clear discharge.”
Different Triggers, Different Causes
The triggers behind winter allergies are vastly different from those behind a cold.
According to Dr. Bambhania, allergy triggers include tree, grass, and weed pollen; mold; pet dander; dust mites; and insect debris such as saliva or feces. Colds, by contrast, are caused by viruses primarily rhinoviruses.
Why Diagnosis Is Harder in India
Dr Ravi Kumar explains that India’s unique healthcare landscape makes identifying the root cause even more challenging.
High disease burden: Frequent respiratory infections and widespread chronic conditions like asthma can blur symptom patterns.
Indoor allergen exposure: Sealed homes and long winter nights amplify contact with dust mites and dander.
Environmental pollution: Both indoor and outdoor pollution aggravate nasal and respiratory symptoms.
Low awareness: Many people are unaware of symptom differences or lack access to diagnostic tools like skin prick tests.
When to See a Doctor
If symptoms last beyond 10 days, recur every winter, worsen indoors, or include difficulty breathing, medical evaluation is essential. “Your doctor can help determine whether it’s a cold or allergies and recommend appropriate testing,” stresses Dr Bambhania.
With better awareness and timely medical guidance, we can stop confusing the two and treat winter sniffles the right way.
