So it didn’t take long for those back-to-school bugs to take hold. Sore throats, runny noses, and goopy eyes abound now in classrooms and pediatric offices everywhere.
And now, more than ever, with Fall waiting in the wings…many parents find themselves asking: Is this a cold or does my child have seasonal allergies?
Admittedly, it can be hard to tell at first. For pediatricians and parents alike. Sometimes, time is simply our best clue. But if you’re looking for quick ways to muddle through your child’s symptoms for an answer (and some relief), see these hints and fantastic infographics below (courtesy of our friends over at OTCSafety).
Your Child Might Have a Cold If….
1. She has a gradual onset of sore throat, low grade fever, congestion, cough, and runny nose.
2. His nasal congestion turns from clear to yellow and/or green within a few days. (Note: this does not mean he has a bacterial or sinus infection. Plenty of colds can produce gross nasal discharge.
3. Her symptoms start getting better after 5-7 days and are just about completely gone by day 14.
4. He has friends in his class and/or siblings at home with similar symptoms. AKA sick contacts.
5. School just started. She just started daycare. It’s Fall. It’s Winter. Yippee
Think Seasonal Allergies If…
1. Your child is ITCHY. Itchy nose. Itchy (and usually, watery) eyes. Scratchy throat. Itching is the hallmark of allergies.
2. That “cold” just won’t go away. Your child is having chronic, cold-like symptoms lasting more than 2 weeks.
3. It’s a change of seasons. Fall anyone?
4. Your child has dark circles and fine lines under his eyes. No he didn’t stay up all night or get into a fist fight…he has allergic shiners. One of the classic hallmark signs of allergies. Another classic sign? A horizontal crease across the bridge of her nose from chronically performing the “allergic salute” aka wiping her nose upward with the palm of her hand to relieve nasal itching and wipe away mucus.
5. Your child is constantly clearing his throat and it’s driving you crazy. And the sneezing….Oh, the sneezing!
6. Symptoms come on suddenly and don’t go away until the offending allergen disappears.
**Diagnostic Tip—-> Got a toddler? Think cold first, allergies later. Why? Because it takes 2-3 seasons to become sensitized to particular allergens. That’s why allergies are pretty rare in the less than 3 set.**
Help for the runny noses, congestion, and coughs:
-
Remember: No over-the-counter cough and cold medicines for children under 4. No proven efficacy OR safety.
- Lots you can do: cool mist humidifier, lots (and lots) of clear fluids, normal saline nose drops (in conjunction with a great nose sucker, think NoseFrida), and a little honey (for kids older than 1) are great ways to support your little one through a cold.
- Always talk to your child’s healthcare provider if you suspect allergies to find the best antihistamine, nose spray, and/or eye drops to relieve his/her allergy symptoms.
- And, please always remember this…safety first…
Disclosure: I receive compensation for my participation in the CHPA educational foundation’s OTC Safety Ambassador program. However, the content and opinions in this post are my own.
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