Does My Child Have Seasonal Allergies

Allergies vs. Illness: Which Is It?

Your child has been sneezing non-stop for days, has a runny nose and watery eyes, and seems to be in a lot of discomfort. You're wondering if this is just a cold or something more serious, like allergies. It can be tough to tell the difference between allergies and cold symptoms in children, but there are some key things to look out for.

Here are some common signs of allergies versus cold symptoms in children:

Signs of Allergies

Seasonal allergies are very common in children, with up to 30% of kids suffering from allergies at any given time. Allergies can occur at any age but are most common in children between the ages of 6 and 12. Allergies tend to run in families, so if you have allergies, your child is more likely to suffer from them as well.

If your child has allergies, they may:

• Have symptoms that last more than two weeks.
• Have symptoms that occur at the same time every year.
• Have itching and watering eyes.
• Have nasal congestion and a runny nose.
• Have dark circles under their eyes.
• Have hives or a rash.

With seasonal allergies, the allergen that your child is allergic to likely hits a peak during the fall, spring, or summer. For instance, fall and summer allergy sufferers are prone to ragweed allergies, while spring allergy sufferers are more prone to mold, pollen, and grass allergies. If you believe your child has seasonal allergies, be mindful of when their symptoms arise. Were they just playing outdoors, or have they seemed sick for a few days?

Signs of Illness

Whether they get sick at school, playing with friends and family, or simply out and about — there are many causes of illness in children that mimic allergy symptoms. If your child has a cold, the flu, or COVID-19, they may:

• Have a fever.
• Have a sore throat.
• Have body aches and pains.
• Have a cough.
• Have fatigue or tiredness.

When to Seek Care

If your child has allergies, they may need to see an allergist for testing and treatment. This may include over-the-counter medications, allergy shots, or allergy drops.

Typically when a child has a cold, they usually don't need to see a doctor unless their symptoms are severe. If you're not sure whether your child has allergies, a cold, or a more serious condition, it's always best to err on the side of caution and take them to see their pediatrician first. They can help diagnose your little one’s condition and provide the best care.

Allergy Treatment in Bishop, CA

At Northern Inyo Healthcare District, our team is commited to providing the following allergy services and treatments:

• Sinus Infections
• Seasonal Allergies
• Food Allergies
• Sinusitis
• Penicillin Allergy Testing
• Insect/Venom Allergy Testing
• Allergy Desensitization Shots (SCIT)

To schedule an allergy appointment or inquire for more information for your little one, please call 760-873-2080. Referrals from your Primary Care Physician are recommended.