Runny nose? It’s often due to allergies or a cold, and sometimes due to a sinus problem.

Sneezing? It’s often due to allergies, sometimes due to a cold, and rarely due to a sinus problem.

Itchy eyes? It’s often due to allergies, rarely due to a cold, and sometimes due to a sinus problem.

Fever? Sometimes a low-grade fever is due to allergies, often due to a cold, and rarely due to a sinus problem.

Aches and pains? They’re sometimes due to allergies, sometimes due to a cold, and rarely due to a sinus problem.

Headache? It’s sometimes due to allergies and often due to a cold or sinus problem.

Cough? It’s sometimes due to allergies, often due to a cold, and rarely due to a sinus problem.

Dizziness? It’s sometimes due to allergies, often due to a cold, and rarely due to a sinus problem.

Hoarse? It’s sometimes due to allergies or a sinus problem, and often due to a cold.

Sore throat? It’s often due to allergies, a cold, or a sinus problem.

Nasal congestion? It’s often due to allergies, a cold, or a sinus problem.

Sinus pressure? It’s sometimes due to allergies or a cold, and often due to a sinus problem.

Symptoms that reoccur at certain times of the year? They’re often due to allergies, rarely due to a cold, and sometimes due to a sinus problem.

Need antibiotics? It’s never due to allergies or a cold, but sometimes due to a sinus problem.

In relation to warning time, if your symptoms occur after exposure to an allergen, you’re suffering from allergies. If your symptoms get worse over several days, it indicates a cold. If your symptoms get worse and are accompanied by an infection, you probably have a sinus infection.

How long do your symptoms last? If you’re suffering for only as long as you’re exposed to an allergen, it indicates allergies. If your condition lasts a week, it’s probably a cold. If it lasts 3 to 4 days, it’s probably a sinus problem.

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