Pediatric Childcare & Wellness
Our blog featuring Dr. McKillip and Shelly Nalbone. Email topic requests to shellynp@totdoc.com
Is it a cold or is it allergies?
Colds are caused by hundreds of different viruses. When one of these viruses gets into your body, your immune system attacks. Some of the effects of this immune response are the classic symptoms of a cold, such as congestion and coughing. The germs that cause colds are contagious. You can pick them up when an infected person sneezes, coughs, or you touch the germs with your hands. Colds can last 10-14 days and do not respond to antibiotics.
Allergies are caused by an overactive immune system. For some reason, your body mistakes harmless substances -- such as mold or pollen -- for germs and attacks them. Your body releases chemicals such as histamine, just as it does when fighting a cold. This can cause swelling in your nasal passages, a runny nose, coughing, and sneezing. Allergies are not contagious, although some people may inherit a tendency to develop them.
|
Characteristic |
Cold |
Allergy |
|
Duration |
three-14 days |
Days to months -- as long as you are exposed to the allergen |
|
Time of year |
Most often in the winter, but possible at any time |
Any time of the year -- although the appearance of some allergens are seasonal |
|
Onset of Symptoms |
Symptoms take a few days to appear after infection with the virus. |
Symptoms can begin immediately after exposure to the allergen |
|
Cough |
Often |
Sometimes |
|
Aches |
Sometimes |
Never |
|
Fatigue |
Sometimes |
Sometimes |
|
Fever |
Sometimes |
Never |
|
Itchy, Watery eyes |
Rarely |
Often |
|
Sore Throat |
Often |
Sometimes |
|
Runny or Stuffy Nose |
Often; usually yellow mucus |
Often; usually clear mucus
|
If you have questions or concerns about your child’s symptoms please call the office.
If there is a topic that you would like more information on, email shellynp@totdoc.com