The Common Cold Or Allergies?

By Author: Marshall Littman
Total Articles: 19
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The common cold and certain allergies share many symptoms that appear similar, but the two have very different causes.

The common cold is often caused by one of the hundreds of different viruses that a person can catch. The germs that cause colds are highly contagious, which is why the common cold is so common. Allergies, on the other hand, are not caused by viruses or other germs.

An allergic reaction is what happens when the body's immune system reacts to a substance to which the person has become sensitized. While allergies are not contagious, they may be inherited, which is why it is important for parents to understand their own allergies in case they see similar symptoms in their children.

What follows are a few tips to help parents recognize the differences in certain symptoms to determine whether or not the child likely has a cold versus allergy, and therefore whether specific treatment may be necessary.

Color Counts: The color of nasal discharge can be helpful. A persistent clear mucus discharge is more likely to suggest allergy, while a thicker, green/yellow discharge is more ...
... likely to be the cause of exposure to a virus, resulting in a cold.

Aches and Pains: People suffering from a cold usually complain about aching muscles and may have fever, while allergies do not generally cause these symptoms.

Itching: If the eyes, throat, nose, and/or mouth seem to itch, an allergy is much more likely to blame than a cold.

Length of Symptoms: A cold can last from one to two weeks but will clear. Symptoms of an allergy are often triggered by some outside factor, like dust, mold, dander, pollen, etc. Symptoms may come and go or be constant depending on the length of exposure to the trigger. Individuals with the symptoms should take note of seasonal changes. Certain changes in the environment may be to blame for allergy symptoms.

Parents should consult their family doctor if symptoms of either ailment get worse or last longer than a couple of weeks. Since everybody's reaction to a cold or allergy is different, parents should also seek the advice of a doctor if it appears that their child is especially uncomfortable. For colds, often no medications are needed, particularly in younger children, but for allergies, either over the counter or prescription medications may be necessary. Parents should check with their doctor before giving their child any medicine to make sure that the proper ailment is treated.

Dr. Marshall J. Littman is a San Diego Pediatrician who has been in practice for 35 years. He is also a member of Children's Physicians Medical Group.