It’s that time of year again- both the allergens and the colds are ramping up. But how can you know the difference? It sometimes feels impossible to know if your child’s sniffles and sneezes are caused by a cold or allergies. Is that runny nose contagious and do we need to cancel our plans? Or is it time to investigate an allergy treatment? Today we’re partnering with Allergy and ENT Associates to bring you their expertise on determining the difference between allergies and a cold. Dr. Grant Pickett, an allergist at the Allergy & ENT Associates River Oaks location, gave us some great tips on understanding the difference and helping your child feel their best.
Try and Determine the Source
Allergies and colds share similar symptoms, such as runny noses, sneezing, and congestion. This fact can make it hard to distinguish between the two. However, to find the right treatment that will bring your child much-needed relief, it’s important to know what is causing your child to feel bad.
Simply put, allergies are caused by coming into contact with allergens. As parents, we often know to watch out for food allergies like peanuts, eggs, and milk. But there are also a lot of common environmental allergens kids come into contact with every day, like grass, dust, and pet dander. In Houston, we also have a lot of seasonal allergens. During the fall and early December, the ragweed counts can be high. From mid-December into late winter, the cedar trees in Central Texas release large amounts of pollen that are carried by the wind into our area. Cedar Fever can make adults and kids with allergies to cedar absolutely miserable.
Colds are different. While more prevalent in the wintertime, they’re not actually caused by cold weather. In reality, colds are caused by a viral infection. These viruses are pretty contagious, especially among kids who aren’t always blowing their nose into a tissue or washing those hands. While colds are generally harmless in healthy children, we all know they can make you feel pretty crummy.
How long does it last?
Another difference between allergies and colds is the duration. Colds typically last about one week but can sometimes be longer. At the most a cold will last for two weeks. Allergies will last as long as the child is exposed to the allergens causing the reaction. When Cedar Fever is spreading potent cedar pollen into Houston in late winter, those allergies can last weeks, if not longer.
Cold symptoms will be worse at the beginning of the illness and gradually taper. Allergy symptoms will flare when exposed to allergens and improve when no longer exposed. If your child is allergic to something outside, their symptoms will generally improve when inside the house.
According to Dr. Pickett, you should pay attention to when those symptoms are flaring up. If you’re noticing more symptoms when your kids are outside or near a pet, that could be a good indicator of an allergy.
Is there a Fever?
Does your child have a fever? If so, it’s probably a cold. Viral illnesses can present with fever, runny noses, sneezing, and even hives in young children. Allergies, on the other hand, do not present with fevers like colds and other viral illnesses. Dr. Pickett says “One of the things that really would be a hallmark of it not being due to allergies is if they’re getting fevers. Generally, you’re not going to see that with allergies.”
Sometimes though, it it really is impossible to tell the difference between allergies and colds! Children can be exposed to viral illnesses at school while also being exposed to allergens. If your child is staying sick and you just can’t tell if it’s cold or allergies, the best solution is allergy testing.
Allergy Testing and Treatments for Kids
Allergy & ENT Associates offers allergy testing to help you determine next steps. If testing reveals that your child does have allergies, they offer two beneficial therapies that can actually gradually desensitize their immune system to allergens, reducing your child’s symptoms over time.
The first treatment is called subcutaneous immunotherapy, commonly known as allergy shots. While these are effective, they can be tough. Some kids are afraid of needles, and weekly trips to the clinic to receive those shots can be hard to fit into your schedule. If you’re concerned about allergy shots, the second option may be best for you.
Sublingual immunotherapy or allergy drops involves placing drops under the tongue. This can be done at home, making it so much more convenient for busy families! While the drops do need to be done daily, it’s an easier way for kids to receive allergy therapy when time competes with those ballet lessons and baseball practice. Dr. Pickett says “With kids, the drops are a really good option because of the needle fear with shots and because it’s tough to get them to come into the clinic that often. When you’re juggling all the other school activities, things like that, the drops can be a really good option for the kiddos.”
If you’re concerned that your child may have allergies, don’t wait! There is an answer and a solution out there to ease those symptoms. Book an appointment today at one of the 18 Houston area locations of Allergy & ENT Associates.
