The first few days of a cold often feel similar to the onset of season allergies. Both can cause runny noses, sneezing, coughing, headaches and fatigue. If you have seasonal allergies, however, you'll want to identify and begin treating them as soon as possible.
Here are four questions to help you assess your symptoms:
•How long have the symptoms lasted? The common cold is unlikely to last much longer than a week, while seasonal allergies will affect you for as long as you are exposed to the allergen, says the Fairfield Daily Republic. For this reason, as reported by foxct.com, you are likely to experience allergy symptoms over a period of weeks or months.
•What time of year is it? You can catch a cold at any time of year. Seasonal allergies can't be predicted exactly, but usually reach their height in the spring and early summer. Tree pollen allergies, specifically, are at their worst earlier in the season, while grass pollen allergies start slightly later and can cause symptoms as late as July. You may also want to note the time of day and the weather. Pollen allergies are worse in the morning, and not as severe on rainy days.
•Do your eyes, nose, or throat itch? Itching is one of the more unpleasant allergy symptoms, and it's unlikely to be present with a cold. If you're trying to diagnose allergies in children, pediatric allergist Michelle Lierl suggests you pay attention to whether they rub their noses.
•What color is the mucus? According to Lierl, yellow mucus generally accompanies a cold, while allergies produce a clearer nasal discharge.
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