Parents frequently don’t understand that indications, for example, runny nose, rash, resentful stomach, or crankiness can flag an allergy. Rather they credit these things to cold, skin inflammation, fragile stomach, or only a fussy infant. Most often these symptoms are due to some short-lived cold etc. while in some cases they are caused by the allergies.
At the point when the baby has an allergy reaction, it’s the consequence of an improper reaction by his immune system. The immune system is meant to fend off ailment, however, sometimes it responds to harmless substances like dust, pollen, virus or bacteria. To battle back, the immune system creates antibodies in excess. This excess causes swelling and inflammation of tissues. In most cases, allergies are hereditary with a few exceptions. Let’s give you an account of how to know the difference between an allergy and a cold in children.
Colds Vs. Allergies
The symptoms of a cold and an allergy are similar, so it’s hard to tell the difference. However, we have listed a few symptoms that will help you distinguish between a cold and an allergy.
Upper Respiratory Tract
If your baby has a runny nose along with a cloudy discharge and fever, then it is a cold and so the symptoms must go away within a week. If not, then it might indicate an allergy if the discharge is thin and watery.
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Lower Respiratory Tract
Coughing and wheezing are extremely common in infants as well as toddlers since children have sensitive and small airways that swell due to a virus. As result children start to wheeze. However, the children who are allergic have problems getting rid of the cold and coughs and are prone to the viruses of the respiratory tract. The muscles of the airways spasm and then swell due to allergens or viruses leading to a cough which can turn into wheezing. Wheezing is dangerous for a child, so be on the lookout of the symptoms like noisier breathing, flaring nostrils while breathing or whether the child is uncomfortable and fussy, contact your doctor immediately for guidance.
Eyes
Conjunctivitis or pinkeye is a condition that can be caused both by allergies or viruses. The symptoms include red eyes and discharge that can result in crusted shut eyes in the morning. Allergic conjunctivitis also looks just like the viral one so you must consult a doctor for proper diagnosis. However, you can know that it is an allergy if the baby rubs the eyes frequently and tears excessively and is irritable. Dark circles under the eyes may also be an indication.
Skin
Newborn babies are prone to rashes, yet most rashes vanish by 2 or 3 months of age. At this time allergic rashes have a tendency to show up. The most widely recognized allergic rash is atopic dermatitis or eczema which results in a red and scaly rash on the cheeks, torso, arms, and legs of the baby
Contact dermatitis is an allergic rash caused by a response to soap, clothing made of wool, detergent or other irritants that touched the baby’s skin.
Stomach
Diarrhea, vomiting, gassiness and upset stomach may be caused due to a virus but they can also result due to food and environmental allergies.
Behavior
Some behavioral problems like sleeping, eating issues and irritability may also be a result of the allergies. It usually happens due to congestion, itchy nose, eyes or skin or abdominal pain.
So, be sure whether your child is prone to allergies or not to properly treat the symptoms using our amazing guide or get help from your pediatrician.
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