How to Tell the Difference Between Allergies and the Cold

Spring allergy season may cause people to experience sniffles and congestion. If you notice your child sneezing or coughing a lot, it can be difficult to tell if it's seasonal allergies or the common cold, as some of the symptoms overlap. Knowing the key differences between the two can help you determine which one your child has. 

Both allergies and the common cold can cause a runny and stuffy nose, sneezing, and coughing. However, the common cold often causes a sore throat, which is not typical of allergies. One symptom to pay close attention to is the mucus, as it may appear differently in colds versus allergies. With colds, the mucus is usually thick and transparent with a light yellow secretion. In allergies, however, the mucus is thin and watery with a transparent-white secretion. Also, with a cold, there are longer periods between sneezes, unlike with allergies, where sneezing happens more frequently and in rapid succession. Coughing is another symptom that occurs in both cases. When experiencing a cold, the cough is typically wet. If your child has allergies, their cough will likely be dry.   

Some of the symptoms that are associated with the cold and not allergies are aches and pains, and, as mentioned earlier, a sore throat. A cold can also cause a fever to help the body fight the viral infection. While allergies are uncomfortable, they don't raise the body's temperature. What you might also notice in cases of allergies is itchiness. When the body reacts to an allergen like pollen, it triggers the chemical histamine, which can cause inflammation and irritation. Your child might have itchy, reddened eyes and itchy rashes on the skin. 

The duration of the common cold is normally shorter than the duration of allergies as well. Colds typically last between three and fourteen days, while allergies can last for weeks or more. Symptoms usually last longer if your child's exposure to the allergen continues. 

An important thing to remember about colds is that they are contagious. Kids who are ill from a cold should stay at home until they're fever-free for 24 hours without medication, their symptoms have become manageable, and their energy and appetite have returned. Allergies are non-contagious and cannot spread to others. But management is key to helping your child feel more comfortable. To help clear the nasal passage, try using a saline spray or over-the-counter medications such as fluticasone nasal spray or Azelastine nasal spray. 

Furthermore, If your child is struggling with itching, you can give them an over-the-counter antihistamine.  Zyrtec, Allegra, and Claritin are usually recommended over Benadryl. Reducing your child's exposure to the allergen causing their allergies is also important. Common allergens are pollen, dust, mold, and animal dander. If you're unsure what is causing their allergies or if their symptoms persist even with medication, call our office for allergy testing. Your child may need to see an allergy specialist who can provide further recommendations.