See differences Does my child have a cold or an allergy?

Allergy or cold? That's how parents can tell the difference
Due to the mild winter, pollen is traveling very early this year. At the same time, many people become infected with cold viruses. So how do you know if an allergy or a cold causes the runny nose and watery eyes? Experts explain how parents can differentiate the possible causes.

Symptoms of allergies and cold are similar
The mild winters of recent years have led to the pollen flying earlier and earlier. In the current season was even reported about pollen flight at Christmas. During the colder months, however, many people catch a cold. The effects are partly similar. In case of an allergy as well as a cold, sufferers suffer from symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, watery and itchy eyes and a scratchy neck. The Professional Association of Paediatricians (BVKJ) is in a message from the news agency dpa tips how parents can keep the two possible causes apart.

Sometimes the symptoms of a pollen allergy are difficult to distinguish from a temporary cold. (Image: BillionPhotos.com/fotolia.com)

Children catch cold more often than adults
A cold usually starts slowly. It can occur at any time, but accumulates in the winter, especially in children. They are often susceptible to infections. As the BVKJ reports on the website "kinderaerzte-im-netz.de", infants have an average of six to ten cold cases a year. A cold usually lasts about a week and not more than ten days. It can be associated with fever. The nasal secretion is only initially watery, later then rather viscous and yellowish or greenish discolored. According to ear, nose and throat doctors, frequent infections may indicate allergies, especially if one or both parents are allergic.

Allergy usually starts suddenly
In contrast to the common cold, an allergy usually starts suddenly and is always noticeable at a certain time or under certain conditions, for example when certain plants start to bloom. An allergy can take weeks or months. It is usually associated with itchy, watery eyes, as the allergy trigger can cause inflammation of the conjunctiva. The nasal secretion in those affected is thin and clear. According to BVKJ, allergies are among the most common health problems in children and adolescents.

Observations of the parents helpful
A certainty about the cause, however, brings only the visit to a doctor, as the BVKJ highlighted. The observations of the parents can be of great help in the diagnosis. Because in addition to pollen, there are many other possible triggers such as animal hair, dust mites, certain foods or even mold. It makes sense to have an appropriate allergy diary: Parents should make a note of all potentially allergenic substances with which the children had contact or who had eaten. In addition, it should be noted if the symptoms improve or worsen. (Ad)