(HealthDayNews) -- Millions of Americans with year-round allergies may confuse their symptoms with frequent colds, the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology says.
Colds are the result of a viral infection. Perennial allergies -- often caused by indoor triggers such as dust mites, furry pets, cockroaches, mold and fungi -- are the body's physical reactions to inhaled airborne particles called "allergens."
Some symptoms of both are similar: sneezing and a stuffy or runny nose. But if symptoms are also accompanied by a fever, colored nasal discharge and aches, you probably have a cold.
Allergies don't cause fever, and unless there's a sinus infection involved, the nasal discharge is clear. Also, a cold lasts about a week, while symptoms of allergy can go on indefinitely.
