You can explain common allergies as an overemphasized immune response your body gives when some allergens or environmental triggers enter your system.

The most common form of allergy that you must be aware of is allergic rhinitis, commonly referred to as hay fever. The thing about allergies is that they are persistent and once you suffer from it, it does not leave you anytime soon.

If allergies are left untreated, you will notice that with each passing day, the allergy will start interrupting your lifestyle and make it difficult for you to carry your out your daily routine.

In this article, you will learn about the early signs and symptoms of cold and allergies that will help you distinguish allergies from common cold and flu.

Signs and symptoms of common cold and allergies-

• Nasal congestion
  One of the most common signs and symptoms of hay fever is a nasal congestion. A nasal congestion refers to the condition where your nasal passages or sinuses get blocked because of swelling of the lining tissues in the nasal passage. In most cases, doctors suggest nasal sprays and drops that temporarily help in clearing out the sinuses and give instant but short-term relief.
• Sneezing
  Sneezing is another symptom which could indicate that you are suffering from allergic rhinitis. Do some necessary tests to find out whether the sneezing is because of some allergen or because of regular cold and flu. Some of the common allergens that cause sneezing in patients suffering from hay fever are dust mites, pollens, animal dander and molds.
• Persistent cough
  If you notice that you are suffering from a cough for more than a few weeks, then you might want to get it checked. Chronic coughing is one of the symptoms of allergic rhinitis.
• Runny nose
  If you suffer from a runny nose all throughout the year or during the same time of the year, then it might be an indication that you are suffering from allergic rhinitis.
• Sore throat
  If you notice that you develop a case of a sore throat in a particular season every year, then you might be suffering from hay fever. A sore throat is often accompanied by husky, raspy voice or complete loss of voice for a temporary period.
• Fatigue
  Feeling tired and exhausted all the time is another symptom that points toward a case of allergy. If you feel lethargic without doing anything or while you perform simple tasks like climbing stairs or lifting objects, then it might be a sign indicating a possibility of hay fever.
• Wheezing and shortness of breath
  Patients who suffer from allergic rhinitis or hay fever often complain that they have difficulty while breathing. While some patients suffer from shortness of breath, there are many that experience wheezing, i.e., they make a high pitched whistling sound while breathing.

If you suffer from these mentioned symptoms, then there is a high chance that it is not a case of common cold that you are suffering from but an allergy. See a doctor immediately and discuss your condition.