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Is it Allergies or a Cold?

Wondering if your child has allergies or a cold? You’re not alone! Allergies usually cause itchy eyes and sneezing, while colds often lead to a sore throat and fatigue. This guide will help you identify the differences so your child can get the relief they need.

Sneezing. Watery eyes. A runny nose. A cough.

If your child starts experiencing these symptoms, you know something’s going on. But these signs can point to more than one illness or condition. In fact, they can point to two — seasonal allergies or a cold.

With their overlapping symptoms, it can be difficult to distinguish between allergies and the common cold. Fortunately, some differences can help you figure out what is causing your child’s discomfort.

What are the symptoms of Allergies or Colds?

Cough and fatigue are two shared symptoms of allergies and colds. To determine what is impacting your child, you’ll need to check for other symptoms.

Shared symptoms of allergies and colds include:

  • Sneezing

  • Runny or stuffy nose

  • Sore throat

  • Occasional loss of taste or smell

  • Cough

Keep in mind — allergies and colds can trigger asthma. Symptoms of asthma include coughing, wheezing, trouble breathing, chest pain, shortness of breath and/or quick breathing. If you notice symptoms of allergies or a cold and later notice symptoms of asthma, it could be a combination of more than one condition.

What are the Differences Between Seasonal Allergies and a Cold?

The symptoms of allergies and colds can overlap. Seasonal allergies and colds both impact parts of the upper respiratory system, like the nose and throat.

Allergy Symptoms

Seasonal allergies are when your immune system reacts to something in the environment, like pollen or mold.

Onset of Symptoms
Suddenly

Length of Symptoms
Several weeks

Type of Cough
Rare, but can cause a dry cough

Sore Throat
Occasionally can cause a mild sore throat

Body Aches and Pains
Won't cause body aches and pains

Fever
Won't cause a fever

Cold Symptoms

The common cold is an infection in your upper respiratory tract, including your throat and nose.

Onset of Symptoms
Gradually

Length of Symptoms
Two weeks or less

Type of Cough
Frequently cause a cough alongside mucus production

Sore Throat
Likely to cause a sore throat

Body Aches and Pains
Frequently lead to body aches and pains

Fever
Can occasionally have a short period of fever

How Are Allergies and Colds Treated?

Determining the cause of your child’s symptoms can help you and your child’s pediatrician determine how to treat them.

Treatment for allergies might involve avoiding triggers and using over-the-counter medications, such as antihistamines. In more severe cases, your child’s pediatrician may recommend prescription medications or allergy shots. They may also refer your child to a pediatric allergy specialist.

To manage the symptoms of a cold, plenty of rest and fluids are key in helping your child feel better. Your child’s pediatrician may also recommend over-the-counter medications to ease symptoms.

Keep in mind, you should always check with your child’s pediatrician before giving your child medications. This is because some over-the-counter medications are not safe for children under a certain age.

When In Doubt, Ask Your Child’s Pediatrician

If your child is showing signs of an illness, seek the expertise of your child’s pediatrician. While there are telltale signs of one condition or another, your healthcare provider is specially trained to determine what is exactly impacting your child’s health.

Getting to the root of your child’s symptoms is key to helping them find relief. By taking a close look at their symptoms and keeping in touch with their pediatrician, you can say goodbye to those sniffles, sneezes and other pesky symptoms.