Cold or Allergy?
Sutter Children's Center, Sacramento

This health tip is brought to you by Sutter Children's Center, Sacramento.

A health tip by Travis Miller, M.D.; Board-Certified Pediatric Allergist with Sutter Children's Center, Sacramento.

As spring approaches trees and flowers start to bloom and so do seasonal allergies. Often parents have a hard time knowing if their child has a cold or is suffering from seasonal allergies due to the similar symptoms. Can you tell the difference?

Cold symptoms
Cough, sore throat, congestion, sneezing, fatigue and may be associated with body aches or fever. A cold is caused by a virus, is contagious and lasts 3 to 14 days.

Allergy symptoms
Itchy or red eyes, runny or stuffy nose with clear discharge, occasional fatigue, cough or a sore throat but rarely fever or body aches. Allergies can not be passed from person to person and frequently occur during the same time period each year.

In the early spring allergies are caused by tree pollen and late spring, grasses are the culprit. The worst allergy symptoms occur during warm, dry or windy days when there is a lot of pollen in the air.

If your child does suffer from seasonal allergies there are a number of steps you can take to reduce his symptoms.

Tips for reducing allergy symptoms

• Wash bedding and stuffed animals once a week in hot water.
• Encase mattresses, box springs and pillows in allergy-proof covers.
• Keep pets outside. If they do come in the house bathe them weekly and keep them out of your child’s bedrooms.
• Limit items that collect dust such as knickknacks and heavy drapes.
• Store toys in air-tight plastic bins.
• Vacuum twice a week with a HEPA filter vacuum.
• Change air filters monthly.
• Keep windows closed and use air conditioning in your home and car.
• After playing outside change your child’s cloths.
• Avoid using ceiling fans.
• Stay indoors on high pollen count days.
• Have a no smoking policy in your home.

If you child’s allergy symptoms are particularly bothersome, call your doctor to discuss additional ways to help your child through the allergy season.

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