Does My Kid Have Allergies or Is It a Cold?
As a parent, one of the most challenging health concerns you might face is figuring out whether your child is suffering from a cold or allergies. Both conditions share similar symptoms—sneezing, runny nose, congestion—making it difficult to determine the root cause of your child’s discomfort. However, understanding the differences between these two health issues can help you find the right treatment and bring your child much-needed relief.
At Allergy & ENT Associates, we understand how confusing this can be for parents, and we’re here to help. With 18 locations throughout the Greater Houston area, including our River Oaks location where you can schedule an appointment with Dr. Grant Pickett, we offer expert advice, allergy testing, and treatment to help kids feel better and lead healthier, more active lives.
The Key Differences Between Allergies and Colds
The main distinction between allergies and colds lies in the cause of the symptoms. Allergies occur when your child is exposed to allergens—substances that trigger an immune response in susceptible individuals. Common allergens include pollen, pet dander, dust mites, and mold. In Houston, we see high pollen counts throughout the year, especially during seasonal changes. For example, in the fall, ragweed is a major allergen, and in late winter, cedar fever can wreak havoc on both kids and adults due to the massive release of pollen from cedar trees in Central Texas.
In contrast, a cold is caused by a viral infection, typically spread from person to person, especially among children who are in close contact at school or daycare. While a cold is generally harmless in healthy children, it can make them miserable for several days.
How to Tell the Difference in Allergies vs. Colds
While the symptoms of allergies and colds overlap, there are key indicators that can help you figure out whether your child is dealing with a viral infection or an allergic reaction.
- Duration – One of the primary ways to differentiate between a cold and allergies is the duration of symptoms. Cold symptoms typically last around a week but can stretch up to two weeks. Allergies, however, persist as long as the child is exposed to the allergens. For example, if your child’s symptoms flare up when they are outdoors, particularly during allergy season, this is a good sign that allergies are to blame.
- Symptom Patterns – The timing of the symptoms can also offer important clues. Cold symptoms tend to be worse at the beginning of the illness and gradually improve over time. Allergies, on the other hand, will flare up when your child is exposed to specific allergens and improve when they are removed from those triggers. “Pay attention to when symptoms are flaring up. If you’re noticing symptoms when your kids are outside, or they’re around a pet, that could be a good indicator of an allergy,” says Dr. Grant Pickett, an allergist at the River Oaks location of Allergy & ENT Associates.
- Fever – Perhaps the biggest difference between allergies and colds is the presence of fever. While a cold or viral illness often comes with a fever, allergies do not. If your child has a fever, it is more likely that they have a viral infection, not allergies. “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 versus viral illnesses,” says Dr. Pickett.
- Other Symptoms – Children with colds may also experience symptoms such as sore throat, body aches, and fatigue, which are uncommon with allergies. Allergic reactions are typically more limited to respiratory symptoms like sneezing, nasal congestion, and itchy eyes.
When in Doubt, Allergy Testing Can Help
Sometimes, it’s impossible to tell whether your child’s symptoms are caused by a cold or allergies, especially if they’re exposed to both allergens and viruses. If your child seems to be perpetually sick or you can’t figure out whether it’s a cold or allergies causing the issues, the best course of action is to schedule an allergy test.
Allergy testing can be easily performed at our River Oaks location or any of the 17 other Allergy & ENT Associates locations in the Greater Houston area. Dr. Pickett explains, “If parents are concerned and unsure, allergy testing can provide clarity on what is triggering their child’s symptoms.” Allergy testing is quick, safe, and effective, and it helps determine which allergens are responsible for your child’s reactions.
Allergy Treatment for Kids
If your child is diagnosed with allergies, there are effective treatments available that can help reduce symptoms over time. Two of the most common therapies are allergy shots (subcutaneous immunotherapy) and allergy drops (sublingual immunotherapy).
Allergy shots are often used to desensitize the immune system to specific allergens. However, some children are afraid of needles, and the frequent trips to the clinic for weekly shots can be a logistical challenge for busy families. That’s where allergy drops come in. Allergy drops are an excellent alternative for children who may have a fear of needles or whose schedules make regular clinic visits difficult.
“These drops are a really good option because they are less invasive than shots, and they can be done at home,” says Dr. Pickett. “When you’re juggling school, extracurricular activities, and everything else, the drops provide a convenient solution that can help kids stay on track with their treatment.”
Allergy drops are placed under the tongue once a day and gradually desensitize the immune system to allergens. While they take longer to show results compared to shots, they are a safe and effective option for many children, especially those with busy schedules or needle phobia.
Conclusion
Understanding whether your child’s symptoms are caused by a cold or allergies is essential to finding the right treatment. If your child is experiencing persistent or seasonal symptoms, allergy testing can provide the answers you need. At Allergy & ENT Associates, we are here to help with accurate testing and effective treatment options, including allergy drops for children who need a more convenient, needle-free solution.
With 18 locations throughout the Greater Houston area, including our River Oaks location, we’re ready to help you and your child feel better and get back to enjoying life. For more information, schedule an appointment today at one of our convenient locations.
