Seasonal allergies, asthma, sinus infections, and other underlying conditions can sometimes mimic the symptoms of a lingering cold virus. The tricky part is that many of these issues share the same telltale signs.
Knowing when symptoms are out of the ordinary helps your child get the right care so they can get back to enjoying their summer. That’s why Srinagesh Paluvoi, MD, FAAP, FACAAI, and our team at Allergy & Asthma Affiliates in Lansdowne and Gainesville, Virginia, are dedicated to finding the underlying cause of your child’s discomfort.
Here are seven signs we often see that a child's sneezing and coughing is more than just a seasonal cold.
A summer cold can last up to two weeks, but sneezing, nasal congestion, or a cough lasting longer than this may indicate seasonal allergies or something else.
While colds can also affect your child’s eyes, itchy and watery eyes most often indicate allergies. Other signs of allergies in the eyes include red or purple discoloration under the lower eyelids.
A cough caused by a cold might last up to two months, but if your child is constantly coughing or their cough gradually worsens, this could indicate asthma or a lung infection like pneumonia.
If your child develops ongoing thin and clear nasal discharge, especially if they also have watery and itchy eyes, they may have seasonal allergies. But if their nasal discharge is thicker, it’s more likely a cold or sinus infection.
Difficulty breathing or wheezing could indicate asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, or other lung concerns. See Dr. Paluvoi to determine the best way to treat shortness of breath caused by asthma or allergies, as this symptom can be scary for children.
Itchy and watery eyes are signs of allergies. But ear pain and eyes that are very red, develop thicker drainage, or begin to crust may indicate an infection warranting antibiotics.
If your child experiences symptom relief after taking an antihistamine, their sneezing, coughing, and/or runny nose may be caused by allergies rather than a summer cold.
While colds often subside on their own after one or two weeks, allergy symptoms can linger without effective treatment. See Dr. Paluvoi for asthma and allergy testing and treatment to ease your child's symptoms and achieve lasting relief.
He may recommend oral medications, nasal sprays or rinses, allergy shots, an epinephrine pen, allergy avoidance, or lifestyle changes to reduce allergy symptoms and an inhaler to treat asthma. Dr. Paluvoi tailors a plan that provides your child a better quality of life.
Dr. Paluvoi can also treat immunodeficiency, hives, food allergies, chemical allergies, eczema, and similar concerns.
Visit with Dr. Paluvoi at Allergy & Asthma Affiliates for fast seasonal allergy relief by contacting our office by phone or booking an appointment online today.
