Your child wakes up sneezing, with a runny nose and watery eyes. Sound familiar? One of the most common questions I hear from parents is: "Is this a cold, or are we dealing with allergies?"
The answer matters because the treatments are different. Here's how to tell them apart.
The Fundamental Difference
Colds are caused by viruses your child picks up from other people. They run their course and go away.
Allergies happen when your child's immune system overreacts to something harmless in the environment—pollen, dust, pet dander, or mold. They stick around as long as the trigger is present.
Duration Is Your Best Clue
This is the easiest way to tell them apart:
Colds last 7-10 days. Your child might feel rough for a few days, then gradually improve until they're back to normal.
Allergies last weeks or even months. They're also predictable—if your child gets the same symptoms every spring or fall, allergies are the likely culprit.
What the Mucus Tells You
I know it's not the most pleasant topic, but mucus is actually helpful for diagnosis:
Allergy mucus stays clear and watery throughout.
Cold mucus often starts clear but becomes thicker and may turn yellow or green as the immune system fights off the virus.
Signs That Point to Allergies
- Sneezing in rapid bursts—multiple sneezes in quick succession.
- Itchiness in the nose, throat, or roof of the mouth.
- Symptoms that appear in the same season each year.
Signs That Point to a Cold
- Body aches and fatigue beyond what you'd expect from congestion alone.
- A sore throat that feels raw, not just scratchy.
- Symptoms that came on after exposure to someone who was sick.
When to Call Us
Seek care within 24 hours if your child has:
- Difficulty breathing or labored breathing
- Signs of dehydration or refusal to drink fluids
- Severe headache or facial pain
- Symptoms that are rapidly getting worse
Schedule a regular appointment if:
- You suspect allergies but aren't sure of the triggers
- Sleep is significantly disrupted
- Symptoms are interfering with school or daily life
- You'd like to discuss allergy testing
What You Can Do at Home
For both colds and allergies:
- A cool-mist humidifier adds moisture to dry air
- Plenty of fluids keep mucus thin and easier to clear
For allergies specifically:
- Shower and change clothes after outdoor play
- Use dust-mite covers on bedding
- Schedule outdoor activities for late afternoon when pollen counts are lower
For colds specifically:
- Offer warm liquids and honey (for children over age 1) to soothe sore throats
- Elevate the head during sleep to help with congestion
One Important Difference: Contagiousness
Colds spread easily, especially in the first 2-3 days. Keep your child home to avoid passing it to classmates.
Allergies aren't contagious at all. Your child can go to school and play normally.
The Bottom Line
Both colds and allergies are extremely common in childhood. Most kids catch several colds each year, and about 1 in 5 children have seasonal allergies.
For colds, focus on comfort and patience. They'll pass on their own.
For allergies, think long-term management. Once you identify triggers and develop a good routine, most children with allergies live completely normal, active lives.
If you're unsure what you're dealing with, we're happy to help figure it out together.