Is My Child Sick or Do They Have Allergies?

How to Recognize the Signs of an Allergy Attack

If you hear someone has a runny nose, sore throat, and itchy eyes, what condition would you assume they have? Viruses such as influenza and COVID-19, as well as an allergic reaction often have similar symptoms — however, their treatment is very different. Keep reading to learn how to spot the signs of each condition, so your child receives the care they need.

Telling Allergies Apart from Illness

If your child presents themself with a runny nose, a sore throat, itchy eyes or a cough, use these tips to differentiate between sickness and an allergy attack:

Do they have a fever?

Though symptoms are often called ‘hay fever,’ a child with allergies would most often not have a fever. However, if your child has a fever and displays signs of trouble breathing, these are common signs of the novel coronavirus, and you should consider having them tested.

How long have the symptoms lasted?

Most viruses or the common cold will typically last between 1-2 weeks, while allergy symptoms will most often last through the spring or come and go through the year.

What time of the year is it?

If your child develops a cough during the spring and presents symptoms (especially after being outdoors), they may have allergies. In the summer, fruits and vegetables can carry allergens that may set off an allergic reaction.

How old is your child?

Typically by the age of 6, most children begin to develop asthma. Outdoor allergies tend to present themselves between the ages of 4 and 6. If you believe your child has allergies, you can bring them to be tested and treated.

Does your child have nasal discharge?

If your child has clear discharge, they most likely have a runny nose as a result of coming in contact with an allergen. If the discharge is yellow or green, this is a sign of an infection, and your child should visit their doctor for treatment.

Pediatric Urgent Care Services in Arlington

Whether your child is feeling the effects of spring or has come down with a cold, our doctors at Urgentology Care specialize in pediatric care and will treat your child appropriately.

Contact our team at (817) 799-7273 today, or visit us online to learn more about our telemedicine services!