Cattails

Does your child have a cold or an allergy?

Allergies can begin at any age, but most start in childhood. For parents, it may be hard to tell if it’s a cold or an allergy in young children.

“Congestion, runny nose and fever may indicate your child has a cold,” said Elena Stringer, M.D., Marshfield Clinic Bloomer Center, family medicine physician. “Colds tend to last seven to 10 days, and symptoms often develop separately and increase in severity. Allergy symptoms usually arise all at once and only remain during exposure to the cause.”

Allergies result from contact with an allergen causing an allergic reaction.

“This triggers the release of histamines, defense mechanisms sent out by certain cells within the nose lining,” said Dr. Stringer. “Telltale allergy symptoms include sneezing, clear runny and itchy nose, congestion and watery or itchy eyes. In children, frequent colds and even teething can complicate determining whether symptoms are cold or allergy related.”

Allergic rhinitis is the medical term for allergies that cause the nose to run. Allergic conjunctivitis identifies allergic reactions that cause eye irritation. Seasonal allergies, those caused by pollination and year-round allergies, such as those caused by pet dander or dust, can result in children experiencing these conditions at the same time, Dr. Stringer added.

“Allergy diagnosis depends on the symptoms,” said Jennifer Parsley, D.O., family medicine physician at Marshfield Clinic Elk Mound Center. “Referral for allergy-specific testing may be recommended.” Most allergy symptoms will disappear when exposure to the allergy trigger is reduced or avoided. Keeping windows closed during high pollen times, not linedrying clothes and showering after outside play are good recommendations, she added.

Nasal irrigation kits for older children or saline nasal spray at any age are considered safe, easy and effective treatments to reduce or prevent allergy symptoms.

“If congestion is a continuing problem for your child, over-the-counter and prescription medications such as antihistamines, decongestants or nasal sprays, may be effective,” said Dr. Parsley. “Dosage and frequency instructions should be closely followed to avoid overuse. Your family physician can help manage your child’s allergy symptoms when using these products.”