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- Fever usually signals a cold or viral infection, not allergies If your child has a fever, it's likely that they have a cold or another type of viral illness, and not an allergy. "Fever is one of my big tiebreakers. Allergies do not cause fevers in children," explains Dr. Lee.
www.childrens.com/health-wellness/allergies-vs-colds-in-children
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.
- Overview
- Colds vs. allergies: How to tell the difference
- Diagnosing colds and allergies
- Treating the common cold
- Treating allergies
- Outlook for allergies and colds
If you have congestion and a runny nose, or you’re sneezing and coughing, your first thought may be that you have a cold. Yet, these are also signs of allergies.
By learning the differences between allergies and colds, you can find the right method of relief — and fast.
What are they?
A cold, also known as the common cold, is caused by a virus. Many different types of viruses are responsible for colds. While the symptoms and severity may vary, colds generally share some basic characteristics. Despite its name, you can get a cold at any time of the year, even in summer. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that the average healthy adult gets two or three colds per year. Allergies occur when your immune system has an adverse reaction to certain substances. When you’re exposed to an allergy trigger, known as an allergen, your immune system releases multiple chemicals called histamine. This release of histamine is what causes allergy symptoms. Every year, more than 50 million U.S. adults experience allergies. Seasonal allergens such as tree, grass, and weed pollen are common triggers, but you might be allergic to certain substances year-round. Other allergy triggers can include: •dust mites •animal dander or saliva, such as from a cat or dog •mold •foods, such as peanuts, tree nuts, milk, and eggs
Symptoms
The following table summarizes some of the ways you can tell a cold from an allergy: Allergies and colds share some common symptoms, such as: •sneezing •coughing •sore throat •runny nose •nasal congestion •watery eyes One way to tell what’s making you feel unwell is to pay attention to the symptoms that they don’t share. Colds are more likely to cause: •fatigue •aches and pains •sore throat •a stuffy nose More severe colds can also cause headaches, fevers, and body aches. Allergies are more likely to cause: •itchy eyes •wheezing •skin rashes, such as eczema or hives Allergies can also cause rashes and itchy eyes. The common cold typically does not.
How long do they last?
Another way to tell whether you have allergies or a cold is by the duration of your symptoms. Recovery from a cold is usually quick. The average duration of a cold is 7 to 10 days. If symptoms last more than 10 days, seek medical advice. In some cases, the virus can contribute to a more serious infection, such as a sinus infection, pneumonia, or bronchitis. Allergies won’t go away unless you get treated or remove the trigger. Seasonal allergens tend to cause symptoms 2 or 3 weeks at a time.
Colds
You don’t usually need to see a doctor for a cold, but if you do make an appointment, your symptoms will likely be enough for them to confirm a diagnosis. The CDC recommends seeking medical advice if: •symptoms last longer than 10 days •you have severe or unusual symptoms •you’re at high risk of complications, for example, because of heart disease or a compromised immune system •a child of 3 months or younger has a cold with a fever, lethargy, or both If a doctor thinks you might have a bacterial infection such as strep throat or pneumonia, you might need other tests such as a throat culture or chest X-ray.
Allergies
For allergies, you may need to see a primary care doctor, an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor, or an allergist. The doctor will first ask about your symptoms. Severe or life threatening allergic reactions often require the care of an allergy specialist. Various tests can diagnose allergies. A skin test can be used to determine your allergy triggers. Sometimes, doctors or allergy specialists may also use blood tests to diagnose allergies, depending on your age and other health conditions. Anaphylaxis If you have a severe allergic reaction that leads to swelling in the mouth or throat and difficulty breathing, you may have anaphylaxis, a life threatening condition. If you know you have an allergy and carry an epinephrine autoinjector, use it, call 911, or go immediately to the nearest emergency room.
Your body will get rid of the cold virus over time. Since antibiotics only kill bacteria, they won’t work on the viruses that cause colds. In most cases, the only treatment is to rest and drink plenty of fluids.
Some medications can help relieve your symptoms while a cold runs its course.
Cold remedies include:
•cough syrups and over-the-counter (OTC) cold medications can help soothe a cough
•decongestant nasal sprays
•pain relievers, such as ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol)
Antihistamines
Antihistamines work by blocking the effects of histamine. Examples include: •fexofenadine (Allegra) •diphenhydramine (Benadryl) •cetirizine (Zyrtec) •loratadine (Claritin) Be aware that some older antihistamines can cause drowsiness. Either look for a nondrowsy formula or consider taking these medications at night. What is the difference between Allegra and Claritin?
Decongestants
Decongestants work by shrinking swollen nasal membranes to relieve sinus congestion. They’re sold under names such as: •pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) •guaifenesin-pseudoephedrine (Mucinex DM) •loratadine-pseudoephedrine (Claritin-D) Decongestants come in pills and nasal sprays. However, nasal decongestants such as oxymetazoline (Afrin) can make congestion worse if you use them for more than 3 days in a row.
Nasal corticosteroids
Nasal corticosteroids bring down swelling in the nose by blocking inflammation. They also lower the number of allergy-activated immune cells in the nasal passages. These medications continue to be one of the best ways of managing and treating both seasonal and year-round allergies.
While some allergy and cold symptoms are similar, these are two very different health conditions. Knowing which one you have can help you get the right treatment, so you’ll be on your way to feeling better quickly.
If your symptoms don’t improve with treatment, or if you have a rash or you’re running a fever, see a doctor to rule out a serious medical condition.
Both colds and allergies can cause viruses and bacteria to collect in the sinuses and lower airways, which can lead to more serious infections.
If your symptoms last more than 10 days or are getting worse, see a doctor.
Fever, in some cases. Does my child have allergies or a cold? While many allergy and cold symptoms in toddlers and children are similar, parents can look for certain clues to help tell the difference between a cold vs. allergy. 1. If your child is under age 1, it's likely a cold.
Nov 10, 2024 · If you have a fever, green mucus, and body aches, then you most likely have a cold. However, if you have sneezing, watery eyes, clear mucus, and itchy eyes, ears, nose, or throat, you may have an allergy.
Aug 2, 2023 · Dr. Hong shares how to spot allergy symptoms in kids, and what to do if you suspect your child is dealing with seasonal and environmental allergies. Allergy symptoms in kids. Children who have ...
Dec 22, 2015 · Allergies can bring on sneezing, watery eyes, itchiness of the eyes, nose, and roof of the mouth, and sometimes a sore throat. But “you don’t get fever with allergies,” even though they're...
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Aug 24, 2024 · Symptoms. Allergy symptoms depend on what allergen is involved. The symptoms can affect the airways, sinuses and nasal passages, skin, and digestive system. Allergic reactions can range from mild to severe. Sometimes, allergies can trigger a life-threatening reaction known as anaphylaxis. Hay fever, also called allergic rhinitis, can cause:
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related to: how do you know if you have a fever with allergies in children with allergiesAssess your allergy symptoms with virtual care and get a recommended relief plan, fast. Skip the waiting room and talk to a board certified doctor from the comfort of your home.
