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Cold vs. Allergy in Children: How to Tell the Difference
Colds are infections of the upper respiratory tract (sinuses, nasal passages, throat, and larynx). They are caused by several different viruses. They are spread by:
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Touching a person with a cold, such as shaking hands, and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth
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Touching an object that someone with a cold has touched and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth
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Breathing the virus in the air after someone with a cold has coughed or sneezed into the air
Seasonal allergies (hay fever) are caused by the immune system reacting to pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds as if it were harmful to the body. Allergies aren't contagious. This means they don't spread from person to person. The reaction causes symptoms that can seem like a cold. Allergies often run in families. Seasonal allergies occur at the same time each year. If your child has allergy symptoms all year, they may be allergic to things (allergens) in the home. These can include dust mites, animals, mold, and cockroaches.
The table below is a guide to symptoms. See your child's healthcare provider for a diagnosis and treatment options.
|
Symptoms
|
Allergy (Airborne)
|
Cold
|
|
Stuffy or runny nose
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Often
|
Often
|
|
Sneezing
|
Often
|
Often
|
|
Sore scratchy throat
|
Often
|
Often
|
|
Wheezing
|
Sometimes
|
Sometimes
|
|
Red or itchy eyes
|
Often
|
Rarely
|
|
Fever
|
Never
|
Often, especially at the start of a cold
|
|
Weakness and lack of energy (fatigue)
|
Sometimes
|
Sometimes
|
|
Body aches
|
No
|
Yes
|
|
Headache
|
Sometimes
|
Often
|
|
Cough
|
Sometimes
|
Often
|
|
Hoarseness
|
Sometimes
|
Often
|
|
Occur at a certain time of year
|
Often
|
Rarely
|
|
Need for antibiotics
|
No
|
No
|
|
Warning time
|
Symptoms occur after exposure to allergen
|
Gets worse over several days
|
|
How long it lasts
|
As long as your child is exposed to the allergen
|
Usually 3 to 14 days
|
Online Medical Reviewer:
Deborah Pedersen MD
Online Medical Reviewer:
Jessica Gotwals BSN MPH
Online Medical Reviewer:
Marianne Fraser MSN RN
Date Last Reviewed:
4/1/2022
© 2000-2024 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.