In the springtime, many common seasonal allergies, such as pollen, become more prevalent in the local environment. At the same time, early spring is a common time for children to catch viruses like the common cold.
According to pediatricians Rainilda Valencia, MD, and Deepika Saini, MD, FAAP, of Valencia Pediatrics in Victorville, California, determining whether your child has a cold or springtime allergies leads to faster treatment and symptom relief. Understand from our team what the differences are and how you can help your child feel better.
The common cold is an upper respiratory virus caused when your child is exposed to a person with the virus or droplets in the air or on items that contain the virus. Allergies occur when your child reacts to exposure to a particular substance.
Despite being completely different conditions, colds and spring allergies can present similarly. Both can include symptoms like:
Although these symptoms can make colds and seasonal allergies seem similar on the surface, there are also key differences.
Many seasonal allergy and cold symptoms are alike, but there are also some differences. Your child is more likely to have a cold if they have:
These symptoms mean your child is more likely to have allergies:
Your child’s eye area is also more likely to be puffy and discolored if they have spring allergies.
Seasonal allergies often occur regularly, around the same time. If your child gets symptoms every spring that last throughout the season, there’s a good chance they have seasonal allergies.
Symptoms that occur at more unpredictable intervals are more likely to come from a virus like a cold.
If your child has a cold, you can expect their symptoms to improve in 10-14 days. Seasonal allergies can last several weeks or the entire spring season.
It’s unusual for children younger than one to have seasonal allergies. If your infant has symptoms, it’s probably a cold.
An over-the-counter non-drowsy antihistamine, such as Claritin® or Zyrtec®, should start to improve your child’s seasonal allergy symptoms within a couple of days. Children who have colds won’t be harmed by these medications, but you also won’t see improvement in their symptoms.
If you’re uncertain whether your child has springtime allergies or a cold, our team can help diagnose and treat the problem. If your child is suffering from a cold, they’ll get relief faster by resting, drinking plenty of fluids, and taking over-the-counter medication. Let our team know if your child hasn’t improved after two weeks.
Children who have seasonal allergies can get relief from medication taken throughout the spring. Some children improve significantly from over-the-counter medication, while others benefit from medication our team prescribes.
We also help you and your child implement strategies to limit their exposure to pollen and other spring allergens.
Whether it’s spring allergies, a cold, or another condition, our team can help your child feel better quickly. Contact us today to schedule your child’s appointment.
