With the summer months here, there may be a break in the respiratory illness cycle that sometimes dominates the cold and flu season in fall and winter. However, it’s prime time for pollen and other airborne allergens that can produce similar symptoms.
When your child seems to be dealing with constant sniffles, identifying the differences between colds and allergies can help you make life more comfortable. If your child has asthma too, each of these conditions can jeopardize their breathing.
When you need medical help, call on the team at Dr 2 Kids, Smita Tandon MD in Fountain Valley, California. We can pinpoint the origins of your child’s symptoms as well as aiding you with treatment when it’s required.
Today, let’s look at the similarities and differences between colds and allergies, so that you can provide your child with the appropriate care from the start of their illness.
Your child has an allergy when exposure to a harmless substance produces an immune system reaction that causes symptoms. Airborne allergies usually cause symptoms that mimic many effects of a cold.
Seasonal allergies (aka hay fever) tend to strike at the same time every year. These are usually due to pollen from plants. Allergies can happen year round, too, though these may be from allergens in your home, like animal dander, dust mites, or mold.
Colds result from viral sources and while they’re more common in the colder months, they can still strike in the summer. Viruses can be transmitted through the air, or picked up on contact and transferred into the body.
A cold is a respiratory tract infection affecting the nasal passages, sinuses, larynx, and throat. Your child’s symptoms result from an immune system reaction to the virus, a necessary body response to eliminate the infection.
A close examination of your child’s symptoms may be all you need to determine the source of their illness.
Some common symptoms have patterns that are unique to the cause. For example, sneezing from allergies tends to happen in clusters, while colds produce more sporadic sneezing.
Contact Dr 2 Kids, Smita Tandon MD to discuss options for treating seasonal allergies. Treat cold symptoms with rest and fluids. As with winter colds, focus on your child’s comfort until the cold begins to let up.
If the illness interferes with your child’s asthma and ability to breathe, book an appointment by using the online link or calling our Fountain Valley, California, office today.
