Is It a Cold or Allergies? A Parent Friendly Guide

It’s not uncommon for a visit to start with a parent asking me if their child’s stuffy nose, sneezing, or persistent cough is because they’re sick with a cold, or they have allergies. It can be hard to tell the difference between a viral cold and seasonal or environmental allergies. Both can make kids uncomfortable, both can interrupt sleep, and both can lead you to the same question at two in the morning: “Is this something I should worry about?”

In this guide, I will walk you through the key differences between a cold and allergies, what symptoms to watch for, and when it is a good idea to reach out. My goal is to help families in Issaquah, Sammamish, Bellevue, and Mercer Island feel more confident, supported, and informed when their children are sick.

What Colds Usually Look Like

Colds are caused by viruses. Kids catch them easily in daycare, preschool, school, and busy indoor settings. These are some of the common symptoms parents notice with colds:

• Fever that appears early in the illness
  
  
• Cough that becomes more noticeable over time
  
  
• Thicker or colored mucus
  
  
• Decreased appetite
  
  
• Tiredness or more clinginess
  
  
• Symptoms that change a little each day
  
  

Most colds last seven to ten days. They often peak around day two or three, then gradually improve.

Search friendly note for parents:
If you are googling things like "child fever Issaquah pediatrician" or "cold symptoms in toddlers Sammamish", these patterns fit the classic viral cold profile.

What Allergies Usually Look Like

Allergies happen when the immune system reacts to something harmless, such as pollen, dust mites, animals, or mold. Unlike colds, allergies do not come from a virus. They can show up at any age, although they become more common as children get older.

These symptoms point more toward allergies:

• Itchy or watery eyes
  
  
• Repeated sneezing
  
  
• Clear, watery mucus
  
  
• Symptoms that are the same from day to day
  
  
• Worse symptoms around specific triggers, like pets or pollen
  
  
• No fever
  
  

Some children also rub their nose upward with the palm of their hand, creating what is known as the allergy salute. This can leave a small line or crease on the nose over time.

Search friendly note for parents:
Families often search for "child allergy symptoms Bellevue", "seasonal allergies in kids", or "allergy specialist Issaquah". These keyword patterns match the allergy category.

When It Is Hard to Tell the Difference

Kids often blur the lines between these two categories. Colds and allergies can overlap, and parents are not expected to tell the difference perfectly. Here are a few situations where things are not so clear:

• A cold can cause lingering congestion that feels like allergies
  
  
• Allergies can cause enough drainage to create a mild cough
  
  
• Toddlers cannot describe itchiness well
  
  
• A cold can trigger an allergy flare or make baseline allergies worse
  
  

This is when a quick check in can help.

Parents in the Eastside often message me things like "my child has been congested for two weeks" or "I am not sure if this is another cold or allergies". These are exactly the types of questions I want families to reach out about early.

When To Contact Your Pediatrician

These are signs that an evaluation can help:

• Fever lasting longer than 72 hours
  
  
• Breathing that looks harder or faster than usual
  
  
• Symptoms that persist longer than two weeks
  
  
• Very thick mucus that is difficult to clear
  
  
• Your child seems unusually uncomfortable
  
  
• Your intuition tells you something is not right
  
  

Some families worry about reaching out too often. I want to be clear. Questions, reassurance, and early guidance are part of the care I provide. Parents do not have to wait for something to become severe before asking for help.

How Lighthouse Pediatrics Can Support You

Families in Issaquah, Sammamish, and Bellevue choose Lighthouse Pediatrics because they want a pediatrician who is easy to reach. When your child has congestion, sneezing, or a cough that seems to be lingering, you can send me a message directly and get guidance the same day.

Here is what you can expect:

• Same day or next day visits when needed
  
  
• Easy text based access for early questions
  
  
• A calm approach that keeps children comfortable
  
  
• A personalized plan that fits your child’s history and environment
  
  
• Follow up as needed so you are not left wondering what to do next
  
  

All parents deserve clear information and quick access to someone who knows their child well. That is the heart of direct pediatric care.

Closing Thoughts

Colds and allergies can look very similar, and it is completely normal to feel unsure when symptoms overlap. If you are noticing changes in your child’s breathing, lingering symptoms, or a pattern that seems unusual, please reach out. Even quick reassurance can help you make decisions with confidence.

I am always glad to help families navigate these questions. You do not have to sort through it alone.

Dr. Sean Park
Lighthouse Pediatrics in Issaquah