It may be difficult to discern whether you have persistent colds or acquired allergies. If you tend to exhibit itching and sneezing symptoms at the same time every year, chances are you have seasonal allergies, according to the Mayo Clinic. It's beneficial to let your doctor determine the cause of your symptoms, because treatment varies widely.
Functions
Allergies are the result of an immune system dysfunction. Allergens that create symptoms cause your body's immune system to react by attacking the otherwise harmless substance. In an attempt to destroy the substance, your body releases antibodies that cause certain chemical reactions. Histamine is the primary chemical that causes the itching and sneezing. Once triggered, it continues to react whenever it's exposed to the same substance.
Symptoms
While colds and allergies share many of the same side effects, there are substantial differences. You may run a fever if you have a virus or bacterial infection but almost never have an increased body temperature when your symptoms are due to allergies. With allergies, you may have a mild cough, but you'll never have body aches and pains. The most common symptoms of allergies that may or may not appear with other conditions include sneezing, stuffy and runny nose and itchy eyes.
Treatments
It's important to talk to your doctor about the kinds of treatments you're using to fight allergic reactions, especially if you are pregnant, have a chronic disease or are taking medications to treat other conditions. Children and seniors must be careful about using allergy medicines as well. Allergy medications are available over the counter and by prescription, varying in strengths and ingredients. Decongestants come in pill form, as a nasal spray or eye drops to relieve congestion. Corticosteroids, usually available only by prescription, help to prevent the release of the chemicals that cause the symptoms when you encounter an allergen. Antihistamines are widely available over the counter and stop the production of histamine that leads to allergy symptoms.
Consequences
Itching and sneezing are common symptoms of hay fever, or rhinitis, and affect nearly 18.2 million people in the United States, according to Medline Plus. The condition is especially rampant in the spring and fall when pollen is at its worst. Allergies in general are the sixth leading cause of chronic disease and affect more than 50 million Americans. While the initial symptoms are uncomfortable, persistent allergy attacks can lead to more significant medical complications such as asthma and sinusitis. Asthma due to allergies accounts for about 80 percent of the total asthma cases diagnosed and can lead to extensive breathing problems. Chronic sinusitis can be difficult to control and leads to continued bouts of inflammation.
