Allergies vs. Colds: How to Tell the Difference in Kids

As parents, it can be tricky to know whether your child’s runny nose and sneezing are from a cold or seasonal allergies. The symptoms often overlap — but the causes and treatments are very different. Understanding the signs can help you care for your child better and know when it’s time to reach out to your pediatrician.

What Causes a Cold?

The common cold is caused by a virus. Kids can catch it when they come into contact with someone who is sick — often at school, daycare, or during playdates. Because viruses spread easily, it’s common for children to have several colds a year, especially during the fall and winter months.

Cold symptoms often include:

• Stuffy or runny nose (mucus often turns yellow or green)

• Sneezing

• Coughing

• Low-grade fever

• Sore throat

• Fatigue or fussiness

Colds usually run their course in 7–10 days. While there’s no cure, rest, fluids, and comfort care help children recover.

What Causes Allergies?

Allergies happen when the immune system overreacts to something harmless — like pollen, dust, pet dander, or mold. Unlike colds, allergies are not contagious. They tend to show up at the same time each year (spring, summer, or fall) or when a child is regularly exposed to an allergen.

Allergy symptoms often include:

• Runny or stuffy nose with clear mucus

• Sneezing in bursts

• Itchy, watery eyes (not common with colds)

• Itchy nose, throat, or ears

• Symptoms that last for weeks, not days

• No fever

Key Differences to Look For

• Fever: More likely with a cold, not with allergies.

• Duration: Colds improve in about a week, while allergies can linger as long as exposure continues.

• Itching: Allergies often cause itchy eyes, nose, or throat. Colds don’t.

• Mucus: Cold mucus tends to thicken and change color. Allergy mucus usually stays clear and watery.

Caring for Your Child

• For colds: Focus on comfort. Encourage rest, fluids, and use a cool-mist humidifier to ease congestion.

• For allergies: Try to minimize exposure to triggers — close windows on high pollen days, wash bedding weekly in hot water, and bathe after outdoor play. Pediatricians may recommend antihistamines or other allergy medicines if symptoms interfere with daily life.

When to Call the Doctor

Contact your pediatrician if your child has:

• A fever lasting more than 3 days

• Trouble breathing or wheezing

• Symptoms that don’t improve after 10–14 days

• Concerns about sleep, eating, or school performance due to ongoing symptoms

Final Thoughts

Allergies and colds can look similar, but subtle differences can point you in the right direction. Remember: you don’t have to figure it out alone. At Yuli MD Pediatrics, we’re here to help you navigate your child’s health, answer your questions, and provide relief so your little one can thrive.

👉 Want more family health tips? Check out our podcast for a more detailed resource.

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