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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:

    • Touching a person with a cold, such as shaking hands, and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth

    • Touching an object that someone with a cold has touched and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth

    • 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

    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.
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    Southern New Mexico
    Surgery Center

    2301 Indian Wells Rd. Suite B
    Alamogordo, NM 88310
    www.snmsc.org

    Phone: 575.437.0890
    Fax: 575.437.0905
    Email: info@snmsc.org

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