have i got a cold or an allergy?

[snowyball]

i have been sneezing all afternoon, runny nose, tired eyes and feeling sleepy, my nose is kinda sore. (after blowing my nose every 5 mins)

i thought it might be dust allergy as i have been hoovering my flat, cleaning and mopping etc, so i took some allergy tablets, this was like over 3 hours ago and still feel the same. it has been cold today, with the snow and stuff, did had a few shivers but im used to that, although i dont feel weak, any ideas?

[Sqad]

beso....it looks as though you have linked the "inflammatory response", the "allergic response" and the "immune response" together, but in fact there are subtle differences at chemical and cellular levels.

I take you point, but I have never seen research that shows that the response to a cold virus was "allergic" rather than "inflammatory"

Yes, the symptoms are the same, but when the virus dies, usually within 7days, then so do the symptoms, whereas in an allergy, the symptoms persist as long as the person is in contact with the allergen (HDM or Grass Pollen)

I look forward to further information.