Is My Child Suffering From Allergies or A Cold?

If your child has a cough, runny nose, sneezing, and other symptoms, you might think it's a cold. But allergies can have the same symptoms. So what are some ways to help treat their symptoms? 

This is a common and sometimes confusing question. Children are prone to contracting colds, more so than adults.¹ Meanwhile, nearly one in five children (18.9%) has a seasonal allergy, with boys being slightly more likely than girls to be afflicted.² 

It can be difficult to figure out what’s wrong with your child, but don’t worry—there are ways to help distinguish between a cold and an allergy, so you can find the right treatment. 

The Facts on the Common Cold

The common cold is a frequent viral infection of the upper respiratory tract, especially prevalent among children. It is caused by various respiratory viruses, with rhinoviruses being the most common. Among children, the common cold is a leading cause of missed school days. Cold symptoms in children typically include a runny nose, coughing, sneezing, and sometimes a low-grade fever. These symptoms usually peak within a few days and resolve in about a week.³

The Facts on Allergies

Allergies occur when the immune system reacts to harmless substances called allergens. Kids' allergies can manifest in various ways, including runny noses, sneezing, throat clearing, itchy nose, and itchy, watery eyes. Seasonal allergy symptoms often appear when certain allergens, like pollen, are more prevalent, leading to repeated or chronic cold-like symptoms that can last more than a week. Signs of allergies in kids also may include itching in the mouth and throat, and can be accompanied by coughing, wheezing, and rashes like eczema.⁴

Allergies vs. Cold Symptoms

Determining whether a child is suffering from a cold or allergies can be tricky due to overlapping symptoms like runny noses, sneezing, and nasal congestion. However, understanding the differences can help parents make an informed assessment:

Onset and Duration

Colds typically develop gradually and may start with a sore throat, followed by a runny nose, cough, and sometimes a mild fever. These symptoms usually last for about a week. Allergies, however, can begin suddenly, especially after exposure to an allergen such as pollen, dust, or pet dander. Allergy symptoms will persist as long as the child remains exposed to the allergen and often recur in certain environments or seasons.^5,6 

Symptoms Specific to Allergies

Unlike colds, allergies can cause itching in the nose, eyes, or throat. This itching, especially in combination with sneezing fits, can be a strong indicator that a child is experiencing allergies rather than a cold. Parents might also notice that symptoms like a runny nose with clear mucus persist for weeks during specific times of the year, suggesting seasonal allergies rather than a viral cold (which may be associated with a thicker discharge and can be discolored).⁶

Aches and Fever

One of the differences between the two is that colds can sometimes cause a mild fever and body aches. Do allergies cause fever as well? No—fever is not a symptom of allergies. If a child has a fever, it’s much more likely they have a cold or another viral infection. Allergies also do not trigger the bodily aches associated with colds.^5,6

Recurrent Symptoms

If a child consistently exhibits the same symptoms in specific settings, such as sneezing and itchy eyes when playing outside during the spring or fall, this pattern strongly suggests allergies rather than a recurring cold.⁵ 

Treatment Options

For Colds

Treating the common cold in children focuses on alleviating symptoms and ensuring the child remains comfortable. Cold symptoms can include a runny nose, coughing, and mild fever. There are several steps that can help manage these symptoms:⁷

• Plenty of rest - Encourage your child to rest to help their body fight off the infection.

• Being properly hydrated - Provide adequate fluids to keep them hydrated.

• Use of a clean, cool mist humidifier - Adding moisture to the air may help ease nasal congestion.

• Nasal saline drops - These can help clear a stuffy nose, making it easier for children to breathe.

• Honey (for children over 1 year old) - Honey in warm water can soothe a sore throat and reduce coughing. (NOTE: Honey should never be given to children under one year of age due to the risk of botulism, a serious infection that can cause trouble swallowing, weakness, and paralysis.)

CAUTION: Over-the-counter cold medications should not be given to children under 6 years old unless directed by a healthcare provider. These medications can cause serious side effects in young children. Also, throat lozenges or cough drops should not be given to children under 4 years old. Most healthy children can use acetaminophen or ibuprofen to reduce fever.⁷ Children under age 18 should not be given aspirin due to the risk of developing Reye’s syndrome.

For Allergies

Helping your child manage seasonal allergies involves reducing exposure to allergens and providing appropriate relief. To achieve allergy relief for babies and small children, keep windows closed during high pollen seasons, use air conditioning, and consider frequent bathing and hair washing after outside activities to remove allergens from the skin and hair. Regularly wash bedding and clothes that may carry pollen.⁴ 

For seasonal allergies in children, available medications may include antihistamines and decongestants and nasal sprays. However, it is essential to consult with a pediatrician before starting treatment with any children’s allergy meds.⁴ 

If your child begins experiencing severe symptoms like wheezing and difficulty breathing, seek medical treatment immediately. To further discuss your child’s recurring cold or allergy symptoms, schedule an appointment with the highly skilled and compassionate Crystal Run Healthcare pediatric team.

Sources:

1. American Lung Association. Facts About the Common Cold, Updated 9/24/2024. Facts About the Common Cold | American Lung Association, Accessed 10/22/2024 
2. CDC. Diagnosed Allergic Conditions in Children Aged 0–17 Years: United States, 2021, Updated 1/25/2023. Diagnosed Allergic Conditions in Children Aged 0–17 Years: United States, 2021 | CDC, Accessed 10/22/2024 
3. CDC. About Common Cold, Updated 10/15/2024. About Common Cold | CDC, Accessed 10/22/2024
4. American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Seasonal Allergies in Children, Updated 7/25/2023. Seasonal Allergies in Children | AAP, Accessed 10/22/2024
5. American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI). Colds, Allergies and Sinusitis — How to Tell the Difference, Updated 12/11/2023. Colds, Allergies and Sinusitis — How to Tell the Difference | AAAAI, Accessed 10/22/2024
6. American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Is It Allergies or a Cold? How to Tell the Difference, Updated 6/2/2021. Is It Allergies or a Cold? How to Tell the Difference | AAP, Accessed 10/22/2024
7. CDC. Manage Common Cold, Updated 4/24/2024. Manage Common Cold | CDC, Accessed 10/22/2024