Common Cold, Flu, Or Allergy Ba Ito? How To Tell If Your Child's Sipon Is Just Sipon

Symptoms let you know when your child is sick. A cold can be just the typical sipon, but it can also be an indication that something’s wrong. This is why moms need to know the signs to watch out for, especially these days when we’re dealing with the threat of an unseen virus.

To answer your frequently asked questions regarding your children’s sipon, we reached out to Dr. Renato Romero, a licensed pediatrician who’s been in practice for 12 years.

What causes cold, allergies, and flu?

The common cold, allergies, and flu often come with a shared symptom: a runny nose. But to clear the distinction among the three, Dr. Romero explains what causes each condition is different.

Colds, locally known as ubo’t sipon, and flu or trangkaso are caused by infections in the respiratory system due to viruses.

Allergies, on the other hand, are the “exaggerated reaction of the child's immune system to specific allergic triggers,” such as dust, pollen, or pet dander. Allergies are often consequences of a genetic predisposition, meaning that “a child whose parents have allergies are at higher risks of having allergies as well.”

How do these illnesses differ in symptoms?

“Kids with colds usually have milder symptoms,” Dr. Romero explains. These include sneezing, runny nose, cough, throat discomfort or pain, and in some instances, fever.

For flu, sneezing, runny nose, and throat discomfort are not as frequent, but the child may experience severe coughing and fever. The pediatrician shares that a child may also experience a headache or body aches when suffering from the flu. Also, a child is more noticeably ill in appearance and is less active and playful.

For allergies, sneezing, runny nose, and coughing are the primary symptoms. “Since allergies are not infectious, fever is rare. Watery and itchy eyes are the common symptoms for allergies that are usually not seen in colds and flu,” Dr. Romero says.

When should you bring your child to a doctor?

For all three, Dr. Romero says that mothers need to watch out for the following symptoms:

• Difficulty of breathing, which may manifest as rapid breathing and/or turning pale or blue
• Uncontrolled fever despite medication and other fever control measures
• Irritability and decreased appetite that may lead to dehydration, which may warrant hospital admission
• A pattern of persistent and progressive symptoms for more than three days with or without prescribed medication

Dr. Romero adds that the initial symptoms for all three could be indicative of measles. This is why it’s essential to watch out for rashes on your child’s skin.

He reminds us that one or more of these symptoms require immediate consultation with your pedia or doctor, especially if your child is a newborn or an infant.

How do you treat your child at home when going to a doctor is impossible?

Some initial treatment may provide relief when going outside or consulting a doctor is close to impossible. “Having ready stocks of common cough, cold, and allergy medications are advised,” the doctor says.

For all three conditions, Dr. Romero prescribes bed rest. “For children with known allergies or asthma, nebulization with bronchodilators or antihistamines will help modulate the allergic reaction,” he adds.

For children above 7 years of age suffering from cold or flu, over-the-counter medicine for cough, cold, fever, headache, and pain can help. (For children below age 7, please consult your doctor before giving any medication.) Of course, drinking lots of fluids will help keep the child hydrated and would help “make the nasal secretions and phlegm less sticky or viscous.”

How do you boost your child’s immune system to prevent sickness?

As the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. To help protect your child from sickness, Dr. Romero says it’s important to teach children proper hygiene, complete their vaccines, and ensure they get sufficient sleep.

For allergies, it’s necessary to identify and avoid specific allergic triggers. Of course, all these should be complemented with the provision of proper nutrition.

In addition to a balanced diet and proper exercise, it helps to give kids who are 3 years old and above a growing-up milk drink that can help support their development.

Similac GainSchool's immune-nourishing formula with 2’-FL HMO and Nucleotides helps support your child's immunity with dual-layer protection. The 2'-FL HMO helps reduce gastrointestinal intolerance and respiratory infections. Nucleotides add a second layer of defense, helping your child reduce instances of diarrhea.

Knowing about the signs and symptoms to watch out for in children and how to care for them when they’re sick is ever crucial to mommies. Recognizing every mom’s need for expert opinion and tips about proper childcare, Similac GainSchool launched kidMMUNITY. This online community empowers mommies to practice proper childcare and nutrition through meaningful conversations.

Learn more about Similac GainSchool and get helpful parenting tips when you join KidMMUNITY. For more information and free nutrition counseling, you may reach out to Alagang Abbott's Nutri-Connect. Book an appointment by sending a message to Alagang Abbott on Facebook.

Disclaimer: Dr. Renato Romero is not, in any way, affiliated with Similac GainSchool. Neither is he promoting any product or brand.

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