How do I differentiate a cold from an allergy in a toddler?

Answers:
Sometimes you can tell by the way a child wipes their nose. If they take the heel of their palm and push up it can indicate allergies. I think some dr's refeer to it as allergy itch. Sometimes the child even has a small crease across their nose where it has been wiped up so many times.

Also if the child uses the couch or rug as an itcher for their nose this could indicate allergies.

If they just use their arm or hand and wipe side to side it's could indicate a cold.

Other Answers:
fever = cold; no fever = allergy

the child will recover from a cold.. wait a few days to see if the symptoms clear, when they do, introduce the allergy cause again and see what happens.. or take to the healthcare to test for allergies rashes are often symptons as well as sneezing in toddlers.

The main difference between a cold and allergies is the length of time the symptoms last. A cold normally disappears after a week to 10 days. Allergies, on the other hand, can last for weeks or even longer.

The Common Cold
The cold is caused by one of more than 200 known viruses. Symptoms usually show up about two days after a person becomes exposed.

A sore, scratchy throat, sneezing, and a runny nose that starts out clear, turns discolored and then disappears are the usual signs of a cold. Other symptoms may include a low-grade temperature, swollen glands, headache, watering eyes, hacking cough, and a sick, achy feeling.

Colds are contagious. They are easily spread when a well person breathes in germs or comes in direct contact with an infected person or an object the infected person has touched.

The best prevention tactics are to wash your hands more frequently and keep them away from your eyes, nose and mouth.

These viruses can survive up to three hours outside the nasal passages on inanimate objects and skin. For this reason, be sure to use a virus-killing disinfectant on any contaminated surfaces.

If you get a cold, get adequate rest, drink plenty of water, and eat good nutritious meals. Zinc logenzes and Vitamin C may help reduce the severity or duration of cold symptoms, although there is much controversy concerning this. Cold remedies may help alleviate some of the symptoms, but they will not prevent, cure, or even shorten the duration of the cold. It must run its course.

A saline nasal irrigation may be effective in preventing the cold, as well as preventing infection from developing if you already have a cold.

Unless a bacterial infection is present, antibiotics will not help a cold since it is a virus. However, secondary bacterial infections of the middle ear or sinuses can result from a cold.

Psychological stress, allergic disorders affecting the nasal passages or throat, and menstrual cycles may have an impact on a person's susceptibility to colds.

Allergic Rhinitis
Allergic rhinitis is caused by exposure to airborne allergens. The symptoms only vary a little from the common cold. They include sneezing, watery eyes, itchiness in the nose and throat, post nasal drip that stays clear, and perhaps a dull headache. A temperature and swollen glands are not indicative of allergies.

Allergies are not contagious but may be hereditary. They can be seasonal caused by the tree, grass or weed pollen; or perennial caused by mold spores, animal danders, or dust mites.

A physician may be the only one who can determine if what you are suffering is a cold or allergic rhinitis. The nasal passages will be examined to see if there is a change in the mucus membrane. With allergies, the membranes are swollen and are very pale, almost a whitish blue tint. The membranes are also very wet with a watery secretion. The eyes and throat are also examined for signs of irritation. Sometimes, a physician may use blood or skin tests to pinpoint the patient's allergens.

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How do I differentiate a cold from an allergy in a toddler?

Pregnancy & Parenting