Symptoms of allergies and colds can be quite similar, but there are some differences that will help distinguish them (see Table 3). With regard to the types of symptoms, both allergies and colds cause symptoms of sneezing, congestion, and runny nose. However, colds are more likely to begin with fever and sore throat before the gradual onset of these other symptoms, while in allergic rhinitis, these symptoms come on quickly without any fever or throat pain.
Specific symptoms may vary as well; colds often cause a yellowish discharge by the seventh day of the infection, while allergies are much more likely to cause thin, watery nasal secretions. In addition, itching of the eyes and nose may be very prominent with allergies but virtually absent with a common cold. With respect to the duration of symptoms, colds generally last from 5 to 7 days, whereas allergy symptoms continue as long as a person is exposed to the allergy-causing agent. In addition, allergy symptoms may subside soon after elimination of allergen exposure.
Finally, the time of year may provide a helpful clue. Colds are much more likely to occur in the colder win-ter months, while allergies occur sporadically through-out the entire year or may be most prominent during the spring, summer, and/or fall seasons.