Is your child coughing or sneezing? Perhaps they have a runny nose along with nasal congestion. Your first thought may be that they have a cold. On the other hand, fall pollen is high right now. Could the problem be allergies?
Our board-certified allergists with Advanced Allergy & Asthma can test your child to see if they have seasonal or other types of allergies that cause these troublesome symptoms. Although colds and allergies share some symptoms, there are also some important differences. The following guidance helps you decide what course of action to take.
When your child has cold symptoms, one of the first things you do is get out the thermometer. You want to know if your loved one has a fever. If fever is present along with nasal congestion and coughing, your child has a viral or bacterial infection. It’s time to call the doctor if your loved one’s fever is more than a low-grade 99-degree elevated temperature.
Allergies don’t cause a fever, but untreated allergies can turn into sinus infections, which often require antibiotics.
If your child has a cold, it should resolve within 7-10 days. After that, your loved one should be in the clear. If they’re still miserable after that and haven’t had a fever, please call our office for an appointment. Ragweed and mold trigger allergies in the fall, along with other active triggers like dust mites.
Does your child have itchy, watery eyes? Maybe they tell you their nose or throat itches. Itching is a typical allergy symptom, not a cold symptom.
When your loved one sneezes or blows their nose, what does the discharge look like? Is it thin or thick mucus? If it’s thick, discolored, and yellowish or green, your child probably has a viral or bacterial infection. You need to call your pediatrician.
On the other hand, if the discharge is clear or watery, it’s more likely to be an allergy. If your loved one has the common cold, the discharge could also be clear. In that instance, pay attention to the other symptoms your child has. If they also have itchy eyes, it’s likely allergy-related.
If your child is coughing, sneezing, and generally feeling miserable due to these symptoms, give them a non-sedating antihistamine. If that relieves their symptoms, their trouble is most likely allergy-related. If they’re not better, the problem is a cold or other infection.
Call Advanced Allergy & Asthma or request an appointment through our online portal today if you suspect your child has allergies and over-the-counter remedies haven’t helped. Our treatment relieves bothersome allergy symptoms so your child can thrive.
