Cold vs. Allergy in Children: How to Tell the Difference
Colds are infections of the upper respiratory tract (sinuses, nasal passages, throat, and larynx). They are caused by several different viruses. They are spread by:
-
Touching a person with a cold
-
Touching an object that someone with a cold has touched
-
Breathing the virus in the air after someone with a cold has coughed or sneezed into the air
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. If your child has allergy symptoms all year, they may be allergic to things (allergens) in the home. These can include dust mites, animals, mold, and cockroaches.
The table below is a guide to symptoms. See your child's healthcare provider for a diagnosis.
Symptoms |
Allergy (Airborne) |
Cold |
Stuffy or runny nose |
Often |
Often |
Sneezing |
Often |
Often |
Sore scratchy throat |
Often |
Often |
Wheezing |
Yes |
Yes |
Red or itchy eyes |
Often |
Rarely |
Fever |
Never |
Often, especially at the start of a cold |
Weakness and lack of energy (fatigue) |
Sometimes |
Sometimes |
Body aches |
No |
Yes |
Headache |
Sometimes |
Often |
Cough |
Sometimes |
Often |
Hoarseness |
Sometimes |
Often |
Occur at a certain time of year |
Often |
Rarely |
Need for antibiotics |
No |
No |
Warning time |
Symptoms occur after exposure to allergen |
Gets worse over several days |
How long it lasts |
As long as your child is exposed to the allergen |
Usually 3 to 14 days |
Online Medical Reviewer: Daphne Pierce-Smith RN MSN CCRCRaymond Kent Turley BSN MSN RN
Date Last Reviewed: 10/1/2018
© 2000-2019 The StayWell Company, LLC. 800 Township Line Road, Yardley, PA 19067. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
Related Conditions
- Allergies in Children
- Allergy
- Animals
- Diagnostic Tests for Allergy in Children
- Food Allergies in Children
- Immune Disorders
- Insect Stings in Children
- Mold
- Pollen and Children
- Symptomatic Conditions of Allergy in Children
- Treatment for a Child's Allergy
- Types of Allergens
- Your Child's Allergies: Dust Mites
- Acetaminophen; Guaifenesin; Phenylephrine oral solution
- Acetaminophen; Phenyltoloxamine oral tablets
- Brompheniramine; Carbetapentane; Phenylephrine Oral Suspension
- Brompheniramine chewable tablets
- Brompheniramine; Dextromethorphan; Pseudoephedrine oral drops
- Brompheniramine; Dextromethorphan; Pseudoephedrine oral solution
- Brompheniramine; Dextromethorphan; Pseudoephedrine oral suspension
- Brompheniramine extended-release tablets or capsules
- Brompheniramine oral liquid
- Brompheniramine oral suspension
- Carbetapentane; Phenylephrine Oral Suspension
- Carbetapentane; Pseudoephedrine oral suspension
- Chlorpheniramine; Dextromethorphan; Phenylephrine oral drops
- Chlorpheniramine; Dextromethorphan; Phenylephrine oral ER tablets
- Chlorpheniramine; Dextromethorphan; Phenylephrine oral solution or syrup
- Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan; Pseudoephedrine oral liquid
- Chlorpheniramine; Dextromethorphan; Pseudoephedrine Oral Suspension
- Chlorpheniramine; Phenylephrine oral capsule or tablet, extended release
- Chlorpheniramine; Phenylephrine oral solution, syrup or liquid
- Chlorpheniramine; Pseudoephedrine capsules or ER tablets
- Chlorpheniramine; Pseudoephedrine oral solution or syrup
- Chlorpheniramine; Pseudoephedrine tablets
- Desloratadine; Pseudoephedrine Extended-Release Tablets
- Dexchlorpheniramine; Dextromethorphan; Pseudoephedrine oral suspension
- Dexchlorpheniramine oral solution
- Dexchlorpheniramine oral tablets
- Dextromethorphan; Diphenhydramine; Phenylephrine oral suspension
- Dextromethorphan; Phenylephrine; Pyrilamine oral solution or syrup
- Dextromethorphan; Phenylephrine; Pyrilamine oral suspension
- Methylprednisolone Solution for Injection
- Methylprednisolone Suspension for Injection
- Methylprednisolone tablets
- Prednisone delayed-release tablets
- Prednisone oral solution
- Prednisone tablets
- Promethazine injection
- Promethazine oral solution or syrup
- Promethazine suppositories
- Promethazine tablets
- Triamcinolone dental paste
- Triamcinolone injection
- Triamcinolone nasal spray
- Triamcinolone oral inhaler
- Triamcinolone skin cream, ointment, lotion, or aerosol
- Triamcinolone tablets