Hours: Mon-Fri, 8:30am to 5pm
Hours: Mon-Fri, 8:30am to 5pm

Allergies or Covid-19 in Children? How to Tell the Difference

Pediatric ENT - Greater Knoxville ENT
As kids adjust to the new normal and start to enjoy some time outdoors, another health threat looms around—allergies. But with the ongoing pandemic, many parents find themselves in a dilemma – how would they know if their kids’ symptoms are due to allergies or COVID-19? Allergy Symptoms Ragweed pollen is the biggest trigger during the fall season. This plant starts to release pollen on cool nights and warm days in August and can last into September and October.  Aside from ragweed, mold is another allergy trigger during fall. Mold spores don’t just dwell in damp places in your household; they also thrive well in wet spots outdoors such as in piles of damp leaves.  Although the allergy triggers for fall are different, it can produce similar signs and symptoms of allergies you experience during spring and summer. The most common symptoms of allergy include:
  • Runny nose
  • Congestion 
  • Watery eyes
  • Sneezing
  • Itchy eyes and nose
COVID-19 or Allergy Symptoms? COVID-19 symptoms are different from COVID-19 symptoms in adults. In children, there could be a bit of congestion, cough, and may eventually progress to cold-like symptoms.  The difference between COVID-19 and allergy symptoms is that the latter usually causes a profuse runny nose, watery and itchy eyes, a lot of nasal drips, and sneezing. These are symptoms you won’t see in patients infected with COVID-19. If your child is exhibiting cold-like symptoms and you can’t tell if it’s allergy or COVID-19, see your provider immediately.  Greater Knoxville ENT has doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the ears, nose, and throat. To request an appointment, you may call us at (865) 521-8050. References: https://www.webmd.com/allergies/fall-allergy-relief#:~:text=What%20Causes%20Fall%20Allergies%3F,also%20have%20reactions%20to%20ragweed https://www.childrensmn.org/2020/04/22/covid-19-and-seasonal-allergies-how-can-i-tell-the-difference/