Maybe you’ve noticed some of these symptoms. These are telltale signs of seasonal allergies that you should be sure to mention to your child’s health care provider.
Runny nose
| Allergy |
Cold |
| Common |
Common |
When allergies strike, a child’s nose can start running—kind of like a broken faucet. Children may sniffle and blow noses into tissues, or their sleeves, all day long. This can lead to irritation of the nose.
Be sure to speak to a doctor before deciding that a runny nose is a sign of allergies. Children with colds also experience runny noses—colds usually only last a week, so be sure to pay attention to the length of symptoms.
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Itchy, watery, red eyes
| Allergy |
Cold |
| Common |
Uncommon |
Eyes that feel itchy and watery, and are red and irritated, can be a sign of allergies. So be sure to notice if this uncomfortable symptom tends to occur consistently, at specific times of the year. Children should try to avoid rubbing their eyes, because this can lead to even more irritation.
Always talk to a health care provider to make sure that itchy, watery, red eyes are a result of allergies and not an eye disease. If the symptoms occur alongside many other symptoms, and last over a week, they are most likely not the result of a cold.
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Sneezing
| Allergy |
Cold |
| Common |
Common |
When children with allergies are exposed to allergens, allergens can be inhaled and cause the body to release chemicals called histamines. A large amount of histamines in the body leads to sneezing that can last for weeks at a time, or until the allergens are gone.
Sneezing can be extremely disruptive and prevent children from participating in activities they would normally enjoy. Sneezing can occur in children who are either suffering from a cold or from allergies. If it’s a cold, then the symptom should fade after a week or two. If the sneezing continues, talk to a health care provider.
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Aches and pains
| Allergy |
Cold |
| Uncommon |
Common |
Body aches and muscle pains are usually associated with colds and other illnesses—rarely with allergies. If the aches and pains persist for over a week, be sure to speak to your child’s health care provider.
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Nasal congestion
| Allergy |
Cold |
| Common |
Common |
Nasal congestion is the most common, and bothersome, symptom of seasonal allergies. It is also present in children suffering from colds. The best way to determine if your child’s congestion is a cold or an allergy symptom is to pay attention to how long the congestion sticks around. If it lasts for more than a week or two, talk to your child’s health care provider.
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Coughing
| Allergy |
Cold |
| Common |
Common |
Coughing is the body’s way of protecting itself from allergens, removing mucus, fluids, and other bacteria from the airways. It is a symptom of allergies, but can also be a symptom of a cold or some other respiratory illness. If a child has been coughing consistently for a few days, talk to your health care provider for proper treatment.
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Fever
| Allergy |
Cold |
| Uncommon |
Sometimes |
A fever is an indication that there is an infection in your child’s body, and you should consult a health care provider to discuss a proper course of treatment. A fever is not commonly associated with seasonal allergies.
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Postnasal drip
| Allergy |
Cold |
| Sometimes |
Sometimes |
Postnasal drip occurs when too much mucus is produced by the body and builds up in the throat or the back of the nose. It can cause an itchy, scratchy feeling in the back of the throat.
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Chronic idiopathic urticaria, also known as “chronic hives”
| Allergy |
Cold |
| Common |
Uncommon |
Chronic idiopathic urticaria, or chronic hives, as it is often called, is a separate condition from seasonal allergies. It is identified by a raised, itchy skin rash. Hives are usually considered chronic if the rash persists for 6 weeks or longer.
The best treatment for chronic hives is to avoid the things that trigger them. Unfortunately, if these triggers are plants, grass, or trees, avoiding them will be difficult (especially for children who like to lead active lives). For this reason, a prescription medication, like Allegra Oral Suspension or Allegra ODT, may be an effective solution for children suffering from chronic hives.
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The “allergic salute” is a red flag
| Allergy |
Cold |
| Common |
Common |
Another common sign to look out for if you think a child has seasonal allergies is the “allergic salute.” This refers to the frequent habit of using the palm of the hand to push and rub the nose upward to try to stop the itching. This can result in irritation and a small crease in the skin on the lower part of the nose.
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The “allergic shiner”
| Allergy |
Cold |
| Common |
Uncommon |
You know it when you see it. The “allergic shiner” refers to the dark circles and puffiness that can be found circling a child’s eyes. It’s common for children with seasonal allergies to walk around with puffy, swollen eyes. Be sure to keep an eye out for this sign, along with other symptoms, to detect seasonal allergies. If you do notice circles or puffiness around the eyes, talk to your health care provider.
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