Kids – Allergy or Cold?

If you are an allergy sufferer you know that the pollen is in the air. When it comes to our kids we sometimes have a more difficult time diagnosing.  They have the symptoms of allergies but symptoms could also mean a cold is coming on.  Both can trigger asthma and upper respiratory problems.  How do you tell the difference between allergies and cold viruses?

Colds

• Last 3 days to 2 weeks
• Symptoms occur a few days after being infected with a cold virus
• Often accompanied by a sore throat, runny or stuffy nose and cough
• Sometimes accompanied by fatigue and aches
• Fever with a cold virus is unusual so if a fever is present it is probably something more than a simple cold.
• Prevention – Stay away from children and adults who have colds and wash your hands often.

Allergies

• Lasts the duration of the time you are exposed to the allergen
• Symptoms occur immediately when you come in contact with the allergen
• Often accompanied by a runny nose, itchy throat and itchy, watery eyes
• Sometimes accompanied by a sore throat and cough.  Allergies can trigger a cough for asthmatics and can set off an asthma attack in severe cases.
• Allergies never cause a fever.  If you child starts to run a fever it is something more than allergies.
• Prevention – Find out what the allergy is by seeing a doctor.  Avoid contact with the allergen.  (Use allergy free pillow and mattress covers or stay inside when the pollen count is high)

Cold and allergy symptoms do overlap so if your child has the symptoms for more than 2 weeks chances are he has an allergy. If his symptoms worsen or a fever occurs let the doctor diagnose.

An allergy sufferer herself, Robin Greene hopes that this information may help just a little bit.  Robin enjoys spending time with her family and friends, teaching Kindergarten and freelance writing for mybabyclothes.com.  Your little ones will be the talk of the town when they don their new Spring baby clothes with a sweet baby headband, their beautiful baby tutu or their stylish baby hat.

Photo courtesy of Robin Schroeders