Many people may not realize they have allergies, often attributing their congestion and runny nose to a cold. Left untreated, allergies can cause more serious conditions like sinusitis or ear infections. It is important to decipher between allergies and colds:

Allergy Symptoms:

• Runny nose with thin, watery discharge
• Sneezing
• Congestion
• Wheezing
• Itchy nose, throat and eyes

Onset of Allergies

Duration of Allergies

Symptoms last as long as you are exposed to the allergen.

Cold Symptoms

• Runny nose with watery to thick yellow discharge
• Sneezing
• Low grade fever
• Weakness and fatigue

Onset of Cold

Symptoms develop within one to three days of exposure to the cold virus.

Duration of Cold

Five to seven days.

Sources: U.S. Food and Drug Administration, American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology