How can you tell the differnce between colds & allergies?

if you' ve had a stuffy/ runny nose for 2 days? thanks
Answer:
Colds and allergies share a lot of the same symptoms. Either one can come with a cough, sneezing, sore throat, and runny nose. But despite some similar symptoms, the two are actually very different.

Colds are caused by viruses that spread easily from person to person. They can develop at any time and can last up to two weeks. A cold is typically treated with over-the-counter medicine, like decongestants and cough suppressants. There isn't really a "cure" for a cold; you can only treat the symptoms.

A cold usually comes with the following symptoms:

Cough
General body ache
Fatigue
Sneezing
Sore throat
Stuffy/runny nose
Allergies are your body's response to allergens -- things that you are allergic to. Allergens vary from person to person; even in the same family, different allergies may develop. Allergies can attack any time, but you may notice that your problems start up in the spring and fall if you are allergic to pollen. Untreated, your seasonal allergy symptoms can last for months. There are several ways to treat your allergies, but you have to see your doctor to find out exactly what you are allergic to first. Immunotherapy (allergy shots) can help desensitize you to allergens over a period of time. Antihistamines and decongestants can help ease your symptoms in the meantime.

Allergies usually come with the following symptoms:

Cough
Itchy Eyes
Sneezing
Sore Throat
Stuffy/runny nose

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It is allergy season right now so its hard to tell.If you have a fever its probably a cold.

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could be allergies who knows i have it too and i have a really itchy throat i had since friday

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if your eyes itch, are red its usually allergies. you could always try taking an anti allergy medication to see if you feel better. If you don't its most likely a cold.

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There's a real fine line between the two, so see your doctor soon.

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if youve had it for t day it sould be apparent by now. look at the disharge. if it is still perfectly clear with no sig of infection it is allergy, if it had started to turn a milky yellow then you have an infection and its a cold

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I'm feeling this way for about a month!I think I have a little bit of both. anyway, it will pass whatever it is, on it's own

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The difference is that certain things trigger allergies and cold are caused by viruses. Allergies are runny noses, sneezing, itchie, watery eyes. Colds include coughs, fever, chills, and an all over body ache. Allergies "usually" stay in your head, whereas colds hit your chest. Hope this helps.

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