No one wants to find out they have allergies or that they're having an allergic reaction. Sometimes it's easier to just think we're just fighting off a cold and that our symptoms will go away in time.
It may be time to consider that what you thought may have just been a seasonal cold is actually an allergy. If you know what you're dealing with, you might be be able to avoid being sick and eliminate having symptoms altogether. There are some tell-tale signs that will alert you to whether you just have a "bug" or if you need to think about making changes in your environment.
If you're symptoms last more than two weeks, it probably isn't just a cold. Sometimes it does seem like colds will go on for forever, but usually you'll begin recovering after a few days unless you become re-infected or complications occur. If you continue to suffer the same symptoms on a consistent basis for a sustained period, it may be a reaction to an allergen that you are exposed to often.
On a related note, colds get worse! A cold will start small—usually starting with a stuffy nose, throat irritation and low grade fever. Next comes the sneezing and a runny nose, with thickening mucus. They will get progressively worse before they get better. An allergic reaction is usually comes on quickly and symptoms will stay at a constant level until they subside.
Allergic reactions involve irritation and constant itching or scratchy throat, eyes or nose. Asthma is also an indicator since the vast majority of asthmatics also suffer from respiratory allergies.
If you think your symptoms may be something more serious than the common cold, consult your doctor. If you do have allergies, keep tuned to Allergy Be Gone for tips and advice on allergy products and how to keep them under control.
