As the seasons change, many of us experience colds with their attendant stuffy noses, coughs and sore throats. However, what seems like a cold may actually be allergies.

Allergic rhinitis (sometimes referred to as hay fever) also frequently occurs during the change of seasons, due to the production of different pollens and grasses at different times of the year. It also can produce stuffy noses, coughs and sore throats, but in contrast to the common cold, it requires different medications for treatment.

Clues that you may have allergies:

y Itchy, watery eyes. Although the common cold can sometimes cause eye irritation, it is much more prevalent with allergies.

y Sneezing. Sneezing, particularly sneezing in clusters of three or more, is highly suggestive of allergies.

y Watery nasal discharge. The nasal discharge from allergic rhinitis is typically thin and runny, whereas the discharge from the common cold tends to be thicker.

y Seasonal occurrence. Although most of us have experienced a cold during the change of seasons, it is not a reliable occurrence. If you always experience a runny nose and cough for a few weeks each spring, you may have allergies.

If you're still unsure, visit with your doctor for recommendations on how to treat your symptoms.

Dr. Turi McNamee is the program director of the Internal Medicine Residency Program at the Sanford School of Medicine of the University of South Dakota.