Sometimes what looks like the common cold isn’t just that. If your child is suffering from an ongoing cough and runny nose, there may be more at play. Allergies are a reaction by the immune system to foreign substances that come into contact with the body. Respiratory allergies take time to develop and will show around age 3 or 4.
If your child’s symptoms have stretched past the span of a week, it’s time to consider the signs of allergies.
Diagnosing Allergies in Children
Allergies are genetic: If either parent has a history of allergies, a child is much more likely to have them as well.
Year round: As you being to notice symptoms, ask yourself what the reoccurring factor is. If you see symptoms every morning, the allergen could be pet dander or dust mites. You might also consider if your child is in an environment where mold is present.
Seasonal: Everyone welcomes the warmer weather as Spring approaches, but for those with seasonal allergies it can be an uncomfortable time. It may take a few years for you to notice that your child always has a runny nose and teary eyes when plants begin to bloom.
Mucus: If your child has a cold their mucus will be green and thick. Mucus from allergies will be thin and clear.
How to Treat Your Child’s Allergies
To get an accurate diagnosis, visit an office that has experience with pediatric otolaryngology. A specialist will be able to find out exactly what your child is allergic to and offer treatment recommendations and reaction prevention tips. If you are making an appointment for your first visit to a pediatric otolaryngologist read about how to find the right doctor.
Observe factors such as the time of year and your child’s environment to help judge if your child is dealing with respiratory allergies versus a cold. If you are looking for pediatric otolaryngologist call us at (208) 336-4368 today!