You suspect your child has a cold but you are unsure as it is allergy season.
We have provided you with some tips to rule out a cold and diagnose allergies as well as ways to pinpoint the signs and symptoms that can interfere with your child’s daily routine.
When It May be Allergies
Lots of parents can spot allergy symptoms right off the bat while others may confuse the signs of an allergy with another type of illness such as a cold or the flu.
How can you be sure that the symptoms originate from an allergy?
- If you notice your child has a rash that is dry, red and itchy on the ankles, wrists and other skin creases, you probably are facing an allergic reaction.
- Cold symptoms that last a week or longer such as itchy throat, a stuffed or runny nose that seem to appear the same time every year probably point to an allergy.
- Your child may present with runny, itchy eyes, sneezing, sniffling or rubbing their nose if they are suffering with allergies.
- Respiratory symptoms might include difficulty breathing, wheezing or a dry cough might mean an allergy. If you notice that the coughing increases when it is bedtime or when your child exercises you might suspect asthma instead.
- Your child may have episodes of recurring abdominal pain whenever they eat a particular food which may mean they are allergic to said food.
- Recurring sinus or ear infections along with fluid in the middle ear may point to allergies.
What May Be Causing Your Child’s Allergies
There are a number of culprits that may be the cause of your child’s allergies such as dust or dust mites, mold, pollen or even dander from a beloved pet [Pet allergies].
Pollen from weeds, grasses and trees may also be the source of your child’s allergies. Your child may also suffer with food allergies such as shellfish, wheat, soy, peanuts, eggs or dairy products.
Other allergens might include rubber balloons, toys or gloves and fungi that is not visible to the naked eye. Many children are allergic to animals with fur such as rabbits, gerbils, hamsters, cats or dogs.
Finding the source of your child’s allergy may be the most difficult aspect of treating the condition and you may need to involve your child’s healthcare professional or an allergy expert in order to find what is causing these symptoms.
