Is That A Cold or Allergies?

It is not always easy to determine whether your child has a cold or allergies. The two have many shared symptoms, such as sneezing and a stuffy or a runny nose. Furthermore, children are not always able to fully describe their symptoms, which can make it even more challenging to figure out whether they are suffering from a cold or allergies. There are symptoms that are specific to each condition, making it possible to differentiate between the two. At Mundelein Pediatrics, serving the Grayslake, IL, area, our pediatricians can properly diagnose your child and prescribe the right treatment.

Cold and Allergy Symptoms

Common symptoms shared by colds and allergies include:

• sneezing
• coughing
• fatigue
• a runny or stuffy nose

Children can experience any of these symptoms with either a cold or allergy. To best determine which one your child has, it is helpful to look at all of their symptoms as there are some that are associated with only a cold or an allergy. When it is still not clear whether your child has a cold or an allergy, a Grayslake pediatrician can make an accurate diagnosis so that the correct course of treatment can be followed.

Here are some differences between the two:

• Colds are caused by a virus, while allergies are due to sensitivities in the immune system to such things as pollen, pet dander, dust, certain foods and even some medications.
• Another key difference is the duration of colds and allergies. Colds tend to be over fairly quickly, lasting just one or two weeks. Allergy symptoms, on the other hand, can press indefinitely. In fact, it is not unusual for allergy sufferers to experience symptoms for several weeks or months.

Symptoms that are specific to colds and not associated with allergies include the following:

• sore throat
• fever
• chills
• body aches
• a scratchy throat

Symptoms associated with an allergy that do not typically occur in conjunction with a cold include the following:

• itchy eyes, throat and ears
• watery eyes and wheezing

Look for any of these additional symptoms in your child to help you determine if he or she has a cold or allergies.

Distinguishing between a cold or allergies can be challenging since they share so many symptoms. Identifying symptoms that are specific to each one helps in making an accurate diagnosis. The experienced doctors at Mundelein Pediatrics, your Grayslake, IL, pediatricians, can properly diagnose your child and prescribe an effective treatment. To schedule an appointment, call (847) 548-7337.