Cold/Allergies ALLERGIES?
the BUG, or Seasonal
Battling
LEARNING TO TELL THE DIFFERENCE, PLUS TREATMENT OPTIONS
By Rhonda Hertwig, PNP, AE-C
T
he question of whether a child is suffering from the flu or an allergy
resonates with parents. Given the similari- ties between colds and allergies, health care providers always start with taking a good history.
Distinguishing Between the Common Cold and Allergies Colds usually begin with a child not feel- ing well, having a sore throat and maybe a low-grade fever, then will progress to nasal congestion, a thick clear to greenish runny nose and a cough. Kids may feel great when leaving for
school. Then the school nurse calls to report that your child has been sent to the infirmary for coughing and may have a low-grade fever. Your child may also display these signs: fussiness, a lack of
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appetite, nasal congestion, a sore throat, wanting to rest or sleep more. Even though appetite may be down a
bit, good fluid intake is a must. If children are healthy, they should be feeling bet- ter by day six, not getting worse. Many parents believe that if the nasal mucous is green, their child must need an antibiotic. Multiple studies have shown that green/ yellow/brown mucous does NOT equal a bacterial infection that would improve from antibiotics. The color means a child’s immune system is healthy and working through the normal process. Antibiotics don’t work for viruses. The overuse of antibiotics in inappropriate situations may lead to resistance. Bacteria are smart and are learning how to beat antibiotics faster than researchers can create new ones. Common colds/URI (upper respiratory
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