Children spend a lot of time sniffling and sneezing this time of year, making it hard for parents to figure out if it's a cold or an allergy.
Runny noses and sneezing are common to both colds and allergies, but there are some distinct differences between the two conditions.
Allergies can also have itching, itchy or watery eyes, itchy nose and throat, those tend to be hallmarks of allergic reactions.
Doctors say you don't see much itching with colds. But colds have a few symptoms that set them apart from allergies, and one of those is fever.
Children with a cold may develop an elevated temperature, but that is not the case with allergies.
Youngsters often complain about a sore throat with a cold, something less common with allergies.
Also, colds tend to run their course within a week or two weeks, whereas allergies can last much longer.
If you see a child who has symptoms typically every fall or every spring, lasting for more than a couple of weeks. That's probably an allergy.
And, of course, if your child's symptoms have you concerned, check with your pediatrician.
Runny noses and sneezing are common to both colds and allergies, but there are some distinct differences between the two conditions.
Allergies can also have itching, itchy or watery eyes, itchy nose and throat, those tend to be hallmarks of allergic reactions.
Doctors say you don't see much itching with colds. But colds have a few symptoms that set them apart from allergies, and one of those is fever.
Children with a cold may develop an elevated temperature, but that is not the case with allergies.
Youngsters often complain about a sore throat with a cold, something less common with allergies.
Also, colds tend to run their course within a week or two weeks, whereas allergies can last much longer.
If you see a child who has symptoms typically every fall or every spring, lasting for more than a couple of weeks. That's probably an allergy.
And, of course, if your child's symptoms have you concerned, check with your pediatrician.
