Is that a summer cold - or some weird allergy?

Just when your spring allergies were calming down, you get slammed with a summer cold.

According to allergist Dr. Richard Weber, many of those suffering from summer colds are actually dealing with a new allergy. Adults who have never had allergies before can even fall victim in the summer, with grass pollen and mold spores being big triggers. Here is how to tell if you’re suffering is due to a cold or an allergy:

* Symptoms for two weeks - you more likely have allergies. While colds might seem to linger forever, they are not as persistent as allergies.

* Escalating symptoms - you might have a summer cold. Colds evolve, usually starting with a stuffy nose, throat irritation and low grade fever. 

* Have an itch or wheezing - that usually mean allergy. If you also have asthma, you might be more likely to have an allergy. An estimated 80 percent of asthmatics also have an allergy.