It can be difficult in the spring allergy season to tell if your child has a cold or is suffering from seasonal allergies. While some of the symptoms may be the same, there are some key differences that can help you discern which one of the two is to blame for making your child feel under the weather.
- Both colds and allergies can cause a stuffy and runny nose, and both allergies and colds can cause a sore throat. However, the symptoms of a cold appear gradually, while an allergy attack can occur suddenly. This is because a cold is caused by a virus and allergies are caused by exposure to an allergen, such as pollen or pet dandruff. When exposed to an allergen, you child may display symptoms right away.
- If your child has a cold, she will most likely cough often, but allergies only sometimes cause a cough.
- A cold virus may cause your child to experience body aches and a fever. However, allergies will never cause either of these.
- An allergy attack often will cause your child’s eyes to become itchy and watery, but this symptom is not typical of a cold.
- A cold typically only lasts for about 14 days, while allergies can go on for months. If your child has symptoms for more than 14 days, make an appointment for her to see the pediatrician. If it turns out your child has allergies, her doctor will provide you with a plan of how to keep her allergies under control and alleviate the symptoms.
