Allergy or cold? How Arizonans can spot the symptoms like a pro

Dr. Cindy Bauer

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Knowing whether your child is dealing with allergies or a cold comes down to paying attention to the details. Look at the symptoms — how long they’ve been going on and what triggers them. If you’re still unsure, don't hesitate to check with your health care provider for additional guidance and peace of mind. Being proactive is the key to keeping your little one comfortable and healthy.”

The good news: we are just coming out of viral season. Not so good news? We are coming in hot: not only to warmer weather, but pollen season here in the Valley. Typically, at its highest in April and May, the pollen count — particularly for trees and grasses — is something you may need to monitor for your children’s health.

The sniffling and sneezing you thought was a cold could be allergies. And it’s important to know the difference, not only for the appropriate treatment, but to prevent additional infections.

Here in the Valley, unlike most places, allergies can be a year-round concern with peaks in both the spring and fall. Without a winter cold snap or snowpack to tamp down on the growing season, and some plants even blooming in winter, pollen allergies can happen throughout the year. 

Allergy symptoms are similar to a cold or flu. With infections, the body is trying to defend itself against something harmful — such as bacteria or a virus. With allergies, the body is reacting to something it mistakenly perceives as harmful, such as dust or pollen.

Understanding the difference between a cold and allergies can help you manage your child’s symptoms more effectively.

A cold typically starts with gradual symptoms like a sore throat, runny nose, and cough, often accompanied by mild fatigue and a low-grade fever. Cold symptoms usually resolve within seven to 10 days, whereas with allergies, you might be wondering, “why is my child always sick?”

Allergies often present with similar symptoms to a cold with sneezing and a runny or stuffy nose. But what differs is the presence of itchy nose or ears, itchy and watery eyes and the symptoms’ duration, often lasting for weeks or even months.  

With a cold, unfortunately, it will need to run its course. We suggest plenty of rest and fluids, and of course, staying home from school and other activities to prevent spreading those cold germs to others.

For allergies, myriad over-the counter medications can be effective. Nasal sprays and antihistamines can reduce symptoms and relieve congestion and drainage.

The best way to prevent allergies is to avoid exposure to the problem-causing allergen, such as reducing time outdoors on windy days or days with a high pollen count. Removing your outside clothes when you come in can help as well. Installing air purifiers and using air conditioning rather than opening windows during this brief spring period will help too. Frequently washing clothes and bedding will help eliminate pollen from your house.

For some people, simply avoiding allergens and managing with over-the-counter medications is enough. But, if seasonal allergies continue to be a bother or hinder daily activities, don’t give up. That’s when we recommend visiting an allergist to learn about other treatments that are available.

The great thing about an allergy and immunology clinic is that we can review all allergic conditions in one visit, for example everything from nasal allergies to asthma or food allergies. Sometimes, we can even combine treatment, making it a one-stop shop.

Skin tests or blood tests can determine what environmental allergens trigger symptoms. This helps you know what steps you may want to take to avoid specific triggers and identify which treatments will work for you or your child’s specific case.

For many people, allergy immunotherapy — a way of slowly making your body less reactive to allergens over time — can be a good option. The main form of allergen immunotherapy is called allergy shots. These are given over many months. A small amount of the allergen is injected under the skin. They are available to treat allergies to mold, pollen, dust, animal dander and even stinging insects, like bees!

Knowing whether your child is dealing with allergies or a cold comes down to paying attention to the details. Look at the symptoms — how long they’ve been going on and what triggers them. If you’re still unsure, don't hesitate to check with your health care provider for additional guidance and peace of mind. Being proactive is the key to keeping your little one comfortable and healthy.

Editor’s note: Dr. Cindy Bauer of Scottsdale is division chief of allergy and immunology at Phoenix Children’s. Her clinical areas of interest include food allergy, eosinophilic esophagitis, asthma, allergic/atopic diseases and immunodeficiencies. Please send your comments to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.