How does allergic rhinitis differ from a cold?

• A. Allergic rhinitis causes a high fever
• B. Allergic rhinitis is triggered by allergens, causing itching and clear nasal discharge
• C. Allergic rhinitis includes a sore throat as a symptom
• D. Allergic rhinitis requires antibiotics

Answer: (B)

Allergic rhinitis is an immune reaction in the nose to environmental allergens. Because of that, it commonly presents with itching, sneezing, nasal congestion, and a clear, watery nasal discharge. Fever isn’t part of this picture, which helps separate it from a cold that can bring fever and more variable nasal drainage. Sore throat can occur with a cold from postnasal drip or viral infection, but it’s not a defining feature of allergies. Antibiotics aren’t used for allergic rhinitis since it isn’t caused by bacteria.

So the best description is that allergic rhinitis is triggered by allergens, causing itching and clear nasal discharge.