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If you鈥檝e got the sniffles, here鈥檚 how to figure out what鈥檚 causing your ailments.

Just when you think and is over, allergy season begins. Your nose starts to run, you can鈥檛 stop sneezing, and you generally feel awful. How can you tell if it鈥檚 your allergies acting up or if you鈥檙e actually sick?

The difference between allergy and cold symptoms

Allergies and colds often have similar symptoms, which can make it difficult to tell them apart.

鈥淐old symptoms typically include nasal congestion, a sore throat, runny nose and cough,鈥� says Kevin Hur, MD, a rhinology specialist with the 喵咪社区 Caruso Department of Otolaryngology 鈥� Head and Neck Surgery, part of 喵咪社区. 鈥淗owever, allergy symptoms also include sneezing and watery, itchy eyes 鈥� but not fever, wet coughs, body aches or a sore throat.鈥�

Plus, 鈥渟easonal allergy symptoms 鈥� such as sneezing, itchy and watering eyes and a runny nose 鈥� occur when you鈥檙e exposed to certain environmental allergens,鈥� says Dr. Hur.

These environmental allergens are typically an issue in the spring, summer and early fall, when trees, grasses and weeds release into the air. The affects how much pollen is circulating in the air. And, as temperatures rise, allergens, such as mold, also increase in the air. If you have allergies, and you鈥檙e exposed to these substances, your thinks it needs to fight them, and you start to have symptoms.

Allergy symptoms will last as long as you are exposed to the allergen. On the other hand, cold symptoms generally last about 10 days and may include a cough, fever, chills and sore throat.

How to treat seasonal allergies

鈥淢any treatments for seasonal allergies are safe and accessible without a prescription, including over-the-counter decongestants, antihistamine pills, steroid nasal sprays and sinus irrigations,鈥� Dr. Hur says.

Head off the symptoms of seasonal allergies, by starting your medicine in advance of pollen season for best results. Keep your doors and windows closed on high pollen count days, and if you have air conditioning, use it. If you must go outside, wear a hat and sunglasses to minimize pollen getting into your eyes, then change your clothes when you get inside.

How to treat a cold

Because a cold is a virus, there鈥檚 not much you can do to treat it, other than rest and drink plenty of fluids.

鈥淪ome ways to treat a cold include drinking plenty of fluids, taking over-the-counter pain relievers, such as Tylenol or Advil, nasal sprays, cough syrups and decongestants,鈥� Dr. Hur says.

Over-the-counter medicines and saltwater sprays won鈥檛 cure a cold, but they may help relieve symptoms.

If your symptoms get worse, don鈥檛 wait to see a doctor, as you may have a more serious condition. If your throat or lips swell, you experience shortness of breath or have difficulty breathing, seek medical help right away.

If you think you have allergies, get tested.

鈥淚f you think you have an allergy, you can get tested with a skin or blood test,鈥� Dr. Hur says.

The allergist will do a blood test and/or with different substances that may be allergens and note how your body reacts.

Once your doctor has confirmed the allergy, you may be directed to take antihistamines or be given prescription medication. If you have (sensitivity to pollen or airborne mold spores), allergy shots may desensitize you to it.

Whether you have a cold or an allergy, knowing which is which will help you treat it appropriately and relieve your symptoms more quickly.

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