Allergies or COVID-19 Vaccination Side Effects? Differences - Healthline
Allergies or COVID-19 Vaccination Side Effects? Differences - Healthline |
| Allergies or COVID-19 Vaccination Side Effects? Differences - Healthline Posted: 07 Apr 2021 12:00 AM PDT 
You wake up in the morning with a cough, a headache, and fatigue. Do you have COVID-19? Allergies? The flu? Or is it just the side effects of getting a COVID-19 vaccination? All can have similar symptoms. "There's a huge amount of overlap," Dr. David Cutler, a family medicine physician at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, California, told Healthline. But there are a few clues that can help you accurately determine what ails you. If you've recently had your first or second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine — Pfizer, Moderna, or the single shot Johnson & Johnson — you might experience an immune reaction that resembles symptoms of COVID-19. "Anybody who gets a COVID-19 vaccine can expect to have some symptoms, which are associated with an inflammatory response to the vaccine," Dr. Sanjeev Jain, a board certified allergist and immunologist at Columbia Allergy, told Healthline. "That's how the body develops antibodies to the virus," Jain said. "That's a positive thing and expected." In addition to pain, redness, and soreness at the injection site, vaccine side effects may include fatigue, headache, muscle pain, chills, fever, and nausea, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). That sounds a lot like the symptoms of COVID-19. But not exactly. For example, if you're not experiencing a new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion and runny nose, or diarrhea, chances are you're having a reaction to the vaccine, not COVID-19. Breathing problems and a feeling of pressure on the chest also can occur with COVID-19, according to the CDC, but aren't associated with reactions to the vaccine. When you start feeling sick is an important indicator, too. "If it's been 2 weeks or more after vaccination, it's very unlikely that you're experiencing the side effects of the vaccine, and unlikely that it's COVID-19 either," said Cutler. "If it's under 2 weeks, then everything is in the mix." Most side effects of COVID-19 vaccines appear to resolve within 3 or 4 days of vaccination. "They tend not to last long or be severe," Cutler said. Cases of COVID-19 have been reported within 2 weeks of the first vaccination shot because recipients let their guard down, he noted. "If they had held out just a little longer, they would have been fully protected," he said. "Nobody gets COVID-19 from the vaccine itself, but you can get unlucky and get infected around the time you get the vaccine," added Jain. "If you're concerned, you can get a nasal swab (COVID-19 test) to determine whether you have COVID-19 or not." Both COVID-19 and vaccine side effects can also be similar to the symptoms of the seasonal flu. But, as Cutler noted, influenza has been virtually nonexistent this season. "This year, the flu would be a very unusual disease to have," he said. But what about seasonal allergies and asthma? Like COVID-19, allergies and asthma can cause breathing problems. Allergies may also trigger sneezing, congestion, and runny nose. Less commonly, allergy symptoms may include headache, wheezing, and coughing. Allergies, however, rarely cause fever, chills, muscle pain, fatigue, or nausea like COVID-19 or a COVID-19 vaccine can. Cutler said that proper diagnosis requires taking a detailed medical history to determine whether people have a history of allergies and asthma and if these conditions have been well controlled. "If you have well controlled asthma it's very unlikely that a new cough is asthma," he said. Likewise, said Jain, "In allergy season it's not uncommon for people to have a cough or runny nose. If that's similar to what you typically get during spring, it's probably just your allergies." However, Jain noted that some people have an allergic reaction to the COVID-19 vaccine that can have symptoms resembling allergies, such as itchiness and hives. Allergic reactions are commonly mild, but in rare cases can be severe, even life threatening, Jain said. |
| Toddler Chest Congestion: Causes and Treatment - Verywell Health Posted: 13 Apr 2021 12:00 AM PDT /GettyImages-96465256-5b979adc7b7848508b7c7a08d82ddd27.jpg) Chest congestion is a common symptom of a number of conditions that affect toddlers, from a virus such as a common cold to a genetic condition such as cystic fibrosis. The additional symptoms that come with chest congestion and the course of treatment depend on the cause of the congestion and the characteristics of the child. Your child's healthcare provider can help find a diagnosis and suggest treatment options. StephanieFrey / Getty Images Symptoms and CausesChest congestion is a symptom of a condition, not a condition unto itself. It can have several different causes and is usually accompanied by other symptoms like a cough. ColdAs the name states, the common cold is common. Colds are caused by respiratory viruses and are the number one reason for doctor calls and visits. Healthy children experience about six colds per year, and colds are rarely serious. In the 5 to 10% of children who develop a secondary health problem due to a cold, the condition is usually an ear or sinus infection. Normal symptoms of colds include:
Symptoms of a secondary problem that prompt a visit to a healthcare provider include:
What Kind of Cough Is It?Coughs are a common symptom of many illnesses, but the type of cough makes a difference. Your toddler's healthcare provider is likely to ask you to describe the cough. Does it sound:
Acute BronchitisOften called a "chest cold", acute bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchi (large breathing tubes in the lungs). In contrast to chronic bronchitis, acute bronchitis is short-lasting. Symptoms usually develop and go away quickly, and most cases are mild. In children, acute bronchitis is usually caused by a viral infection, sometimes after a cold or other viral upper respiratory infection. It can also be caused by bacteria or as a result of exposure to irritants such as dust, allergens, strong fumes, or tobacco smoke. Symptoms of acute bronchitis usually last one to two weeks and include:
Take your toddler to a healthcare provider right away if:
BronchiolitisBronchiolitis is an infection in which swelling occurs in the bronchioles (smaller airways) of the lungs, blocking airflow in and out of the lungs. Bronchiolitis is usually caused by an infection in the upper respiratory tract which spreads down into the windpipe and lungs. This infection is often a viral infection, most frequently respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). It occurs most often in winter and early spring, and usually affects children under two years old. Bronchiolitis often looks like a common cold at first, but then the cough (and often other symptoms) get worse over time. It is important to see a healthcare provider for a diagnosis as the symptoms are similar to other conditions, especially in babies and young toddlers. Symptoms of bronchiolitis include:
Call your child's healthcare provider right away, or seek emergency care if your child:
RSVRespiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a virus that is a leading cause of childhood respiratory infection. It is very common, with nearly all children contracting an RSV infection by the age of 2 years old. Most often, RSV infection is mild but it can be serious, especially for premature infants, infants under six months, children who are immunocompromised, and children with certain disorders that put them at risk for serious RSV infections. RSV usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms, but it can cause more severe illnesses such as bronchiolitis or pneumonia. Approximately 58,000 children younger than 5 years old in the United States are treated in hospital for RSV infections each year. Symptoms of RSV include:
An important note: Infants often show no symptoms with RSV infection beyond irritability, decreased appetite, decreased activity, and/or apnea (pauses in breathing). What Does "Trouble Breathing" Look Like?With a cough and/or congestion, it can be hard to tell if a child is having trouble breathing. If you notice any of these signs, your child may be experiencing breathing difficulties and you should seek immediate or emergency medical care: AllergiesAllergies are more common in children from families that have a history of allergies, but any child can have allergies. Children can have allergies to environmental triggers such as pollen, insect bites, or animals, to certain medications, or to foods such as peanuts or milk. Common symptoms of allergies in children include:
In severe cases, allergies can cause a serious and potentially life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis which causes breathing impairment, a sudden drop in blood pressure, and possibly shock. This is a medical emergency requiring an immediate 911 call and injection of epinephrine (adrenaline), if available. CroupCroup is an infection in children that causes swelling in the upper part of the airway in the neck, usually seen in the winter. Croup is usually caused by a virus, but can also be caused by bacteria, allergies, or reflux from the stomach. Symptoms of croup are not universal, can change over time, and do not always occur at the same time. They usually last three to seven days and are often worse at night. Symptoms of croup include:
Croup can become an emergency situation if breathing difficulties become severe. Call 911 if your child is experiencing any of the following:
AsthmaAsthma is a chronic inflammatory respiratory condition that causes airways to narrow, swell, and sometimes produce extra mucus. The most common symptom of asthma in children is a chronic cough. Other symptoms can include:
A sudden worsening of symptoms caused by the constriction of muscles surrounding the bronchial tubes, narrowing the airway, and making breathing very difficult is called an asthma attack. Asthma attacks are serious and potentially life-threatening. If your child has asthma, discuss with their healthcare provider what to do to prevent and manage asthma attacks, and call 911 during an attack if necessary. PneumoniaPneumonia is a lung infection usually caused by a virus, but is sometimes caused by bacteria. It often follows an upper respiratory infection. Symptoms include:
If you suspect your child may have pneumonia, call their healthcare provider as pneumonia can become serious. The FluThe flu is a serious respiratory infection caused by influenza A and influenza B viruses. It is highly contagious and can be especially dangerous for young children. Flu symptoms are more severe than cold symptoms. They include:
If you suspect your child has the flu, call their healthcare provider right away as some treatments such as antivirals work best or are only effective if given early. Cystic FibrosisCystic fibrosis is a progressive, genetic disease that causes the mucus in various organs to become thick and sticky, resulting in infections, inflammation, and problems with organ function. Cystic fibrosis is present at birth and usually diagnosed by age two. Symptoms of cystic fibrosis include:
Babies Require Different CareChest congestion, cough, and fever can look different in infants than in toddlers and older children, and often require more urgent medical care, particularly for babies under six months. If your baby is ill, make sure you follow advice and information specifically for infants, not for toddlers or older children. When to See a DoctorWhether a cough and/or chest congestion needs medical attention depends largely on the cause of the illness, the accompanying symptoms, the age of the child, the severity of the symptoms, and the duration of the symptoms. Generally speaking, call your child's healthcare provider if there's:
Seek medical care immediately if your child:
What Symptoms Indicate You Should Call 911?Call 911 if your child:
DiagnosisTo determine if a child has chest congestion, and what is causing their symptoms, a medical health provider may use a number of diagnostic tools. Physical ExamDuring an office or hospital visit, a healthcare provider is likely to do a physical examination. This might include:
ImagingImaging tests such as a chest x-ray or CT scan may be ordered to look at the lungs and check for congestion, foreign objects, or other areas of concern. Lab WorkA healthcare provider may requisition various lab work including:
A bronchoscopy is a rarely used procedure used to look inside the airways of the lungs. Other Tests and ProceduresA pulse oximeter (a small, painless sensor on the finger or toe) may be used to check blood oxygen levels. Allergy tests may be run to determine if symptoms are caused by an allergy. These sometimes involve:
Tests to measure lung capacity and airflow may be ordered, particularly if asthma is suspected. Diagnosing Cystic FibrosisThis diagnosis requires more than a physical exam or blood test. It is a multi-step process that should include:
TreatmentTreatment depends on the symptoms and what is causing them. For more specific treatment plans for each condition, consult a healthcare provider who can tailor treatment to your child's needs. In general, treatment for chest congestion and some of the conditions that cause it falls into two categories: Medical treatment and treatment that can be given to your child on your own at home. Medical TreatmentMedical treatments include:
At-Home TreatmentIf the illness and symptoms are mild, or it is advised by a healthcare provider, at-home measures can help your child feel more comfortable while they get better. Some home treatments to try include:
Can Children Take Cough Medicine?Children under the age of 4 years should not be given cough or cold medicine, and children aged 4 to 6 years should only do so if advised by a healthcare provider. Children over age 6 years can take cough and cold medicine according to the dosage guidelines, but it still isn't recommended because they aren't very effective and they may cause side effects. A Word From VerywellIt's never easy when little ones don't feel well. Coughs and colds are a common part of the childhood experience, but they are no fun for kids or parents, especially when they come with chest congestion. Chest congestion in toddlers can be caused by a lot of different illnesses, some minor and some serious-but fortunately, most of the time it clears up with the help of medical treatment, or on its own with some home treatments and lots of TLC. |
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