Your child has a runny nose and a headache. You are worried it might be more than just a cold, but you’re not sure. How do you tell the difference between a cold, allergies and a chest infection? Should you call your primary care provider? Show
Juhee Lee, MD, an attending physician with the Division of Allergy and Immunology at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), offers guidance to parents on:
The different symptoms of allergies and colds or infections“Ask yourself a few key questions,” says Dr. Lee. “The answers can help you figure out what might be causing the congestion and what you can do to help your child.” What kind of congestion is it?
Does your child have a fever?
Is there a seasonal pattern to the congestion?
Does your child snore or have interrupted breathing during sleep?
When to call your primary care providerIf your child is 3 months old or younger, call your primary care provider whenever your child has nasal or chest congestion. Symptom CheckerIf your child is more than 4 months old, call your primary care provider if your child:
Seek emergency care if your child:
Treatments are different depending on the cause of the congestion. Your child’s primary care provider can tell you what steps to take to relieve symptoms and help your child get better. What specialists can helpYour child’s pediatrician can refer you to an appropriate specialist if necessary, depending on how serious your child’s condition is and what is causing the health problems. Depending on the condition, your child may need to see more than one specialist. Specialists who help with medical issues related to congestion include:
What causes dry cough but no fever?A dry or unproductive cough doesn't produce mucus. A tickling sensation in the throat can make you have a dry cough. Dry coughs can come on after a cold or flu or if you have COVID-19. Other conditions like GERD, heart failure and lung cancer can cause chronic dry coughs.
Is dry cough a symptom of Covid or cold?The most common things people who become ill with COVID-19 have include: Fever or chills. A dry cough and shortness of breath. Feeling very tired.
How can you tell the difference between cold and Covid?Symptom check: Is it COVID-19 or a cold?. What if I have a dry cough but no other symptoms?Most dry coughs are lingering symptoms of colds and flus, but there are a few other possible causes. You can try treating your nighttime cough with home remedies or OTC medications, but if it does not go away after a few weeks, make an appointment with a doctor.
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