The result is watery eyes, a runny nose, sneezing and itching in the ears, nose, throat or skin. The symptoms are very similar, however the easiest way to figure out what you have is to observe the symptoms over time. If the symptoms change when you change environment, such as going indoors or leaving your grandparent's farm for the city, chances are it is allergies. If the symptoms persist past seven to 10 days, chances are it is allergies. Colds often start with a sore throat, allergies often begin with itchy feelings in your nose, throat, eyes or skin.
Colds go through a succession of symptoms.
First a sore throat, then sneezing, then a runny nose, finally congestion. With allergies, the symptoms appear all at once. One in four North Americans suffers from allergies, those most sensitive normally begin suffering in childhood or early adulthood. Heredity is one of the deciding factors. It is believed that early exposure to allergens can accelerate or increase the chances of developing allergies.