If there’s one thing that says winter to a kid (besides ice skating and snowball fights) it’s a cold – and we don’t mean the “brrr, it’s chilly out here” kind. According to the American Lung Association, children will catch between six and eight colds a year. Problem is, the main symptoms – a cough and runny nose – are also tell-tale signs of more serious conditions like allergies and asthma. How can you tell what’s causing your child’s sneezing and congestion? Here’s a chart to help you sort out a regular sniffle from an allergy-induced sneeze and asthma-related cough. But remember, it’s always important to have your child properly diagnosed by a doctor, especially before giving them medication.*

Asthma

Causes/Triggers: The most common triggers include: pollen, pet dander, viral infections, exercise, weather changes, tobacco smoke, pollution.

Shared symptoms (symptoms all three conditions – cold, asthma and allergies - share):

• Chronic cough
• Eczema
• Symptoms are chronic and can last for three months or more

Unique symptoms:

• Cough that’s brought on by exercise
• Cough that worsens at night
• Wheezing
• Increased breathing (50% above normal rate)
• Chest pain
• Noisy breathing
• Lethargy (tired or uninterested in his or her favorite games)
• Loss of appetite

Treatment/Next Steps: Identify asthma-inducing allergens and eliminate or avoid them. Bronchodilators or non-steroid controller medications can also be used under a doctor’s supervision. Visit our Food Allergy Guide if food is suspect as a concern.