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:
-
Touching a person with a cold
-
Touching an object that someone with a cold has touched
-
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. This 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.
|
Symptoms
|
Allergy (Airborne)
|
Cold
|
|
Stuffy or runny
nose
|
Often
|
Often
|
|
Sneezing
|
Often
|
Often
|
|
Sore scratchy
throat
|
Often
|
Often
|
|
Wheezing
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
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:
Daphne Pierce-Smith RN MSN CCRC
Online Medical Reviewer:
Raymond Kent Turley BSN MSN RN
Date Last Reviewed:
11/1/2016
© 2000-2019 The StayWell Company, LLC. 800 Township Line Road, Yardley, PA 19067. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.