The difference between a cold and an allergy in children
Because both the common cold virus and allergies share similar symptoms, it might be difficult to tell the difference between the two.
Winter is just around the corner and the change of season often means children are more susceptible to getting sick with colds or suffering allergies. It can be tough to tell whether your child has hay fever or a typical cold (upper respiratory infection). While the symptoms of allergies and colds frequently overlap, there are a few key distinctions.
The differences between a cold and hayfever
Colds are upper respiratory tract illnesses (sinuses, nasal passages, throat, and larynx). They are caused by a variety of viruses. They are dispersed by touching someone who has a cold, touching a thing that has been touched by someone who has a cold, or breathing in the virus when someone with a cold coughs or sneezes into the air Seasonal allergies (hay fever), on the other hand, are caused by the immune system misinterpreting pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds as dangerous to the body. This response produces symptoms that resemble a cold. Allergies frequently run in families. Seasonal allergies happen at the same time every year. If your child suffers allergy symptoms all year, they may be allergic to objects in the home (allergens).
Is it an allergy or a cold? How to recognise the difference
The symptoms of hay fever are as follows:
- Nasal discharge that is clear and watery
- Itching sensations in the eyes, ears, nose, or mouth
- Sporadic sneezing
- Loss of smell
- Headaches
The symptoms of a cold are as follows:
- Thick nasal secretions
- A sore throat and cough
- A low-grade fever
- Fatigue or general tiredness
- Chills
- Mild body aches
Good to know: A common cold normally lasts only a few days before it starts to get better and go away while allergy symptoms might last for weeks or months. If your child has cold symptoms, make sure you’ve spoken to their doctor about which medications are safe to administer and follow pain reliever dosing instructions very carefully. If your child has hayfever, antihistamines can help relieve congestion symptoms such as runny or stuffy nose, sneezing and itchy, teary eyes.
A word on antibiotics
Fever is nearly typically the result of an infection, not an allergy. Antibiotics will not improve allergies or a virus-caused cold. Colds or allergies can sometimes result in ear or sinus infections; in these cases, medicines can be beneficial.
Important precautions for avoiding illnesses
With COVID-19 in the mix, it is more crucial than ever to practise proper hygiene by ensuring both you and your child regularly wash your hands and wear a face mask. Getting enough sleep, eating a well-balanced diet, exercising, and managing stress will also assist during the cooler months.
