When a child develops a runny nose, congestion, and a cough, parents often wonder if they are dealing with seasonal allergies or a common illness. This uncertainty increases when a fever appears alongside typical allergic symptoms, causing confusion and concern. Understanding the distinct causes behind these symptoms is the first step toward effective management and proper care for the child.
Do Allergies Cause Fevers?
Allergies themselves do not cause a fever, despite the common term “hay fever” suggesting otherwise. A fever is a systemic response, triggered by the immune system releasing pyrogens that signal the body to raise its core temperature to fight off an infection.
An allergic reaction, such as allergic rhinitis, is primarily a localized inflammatory response. It involves the release of histamine and other chemicals that cause irritation in the eyes, nose, and throat. This reaction causes inflammation but does not prompt the systemic release of pyrogens necessary to induce a fever. If a child with allergies has a high temperature, another factor is almost certainly responsible.
Common Allergy Symptoms
Classic indicators of seasonal or environmental allergies include repeated sneezing, a persistent clear, watery discharge from the nose, and noticeable nasal congestion. Intense itchiness in the eyes, nose, or the roof of the mouth is a key differentiating factor from a common cold.
Other signs of allergic rhinitis include post-nasal drip, which causes throat clearing or a cough, and dark circles under the eyes, sometimes called “allergic shiners.” These symptoms tend to last as long as the child is exposed to the allergen, such as pollen or pet dander. The presence of these symptoms without a fever points strongly toward an allergic reaction rather than an infection.
Causes of Fever in Kids with Allergies
When a fever appears in a child with allergy symptoms, it points to a co-existing illness or a secondary infection. The most common scenario is a simple viral infection, such as a cold, influenza, or COVID-19, coinciding with the peak of allergy season. These viral pathogens trigger the body’s fever response independently of the child’s allergic state.
Another cause is the development of a secondary bacterial infection. Allergy-induced inflammation and swelling in the nasal passages can block the natural drainage pathways of the sinuses and middle ear. This stagnant mucus creates an environment where bacteria can multiply, leading to conditions like sinusitis or an ear infection. The bacterial infection causes the fever, making the allergy an indirect contributor to the child’s illness.
When to Consult a Doctor
Parents should consult a healthcare provider if a child’s fever is persistent or exceeds certain temperature thresholds. A temperature that rises above 104°F (40°C) repeatedly signals the need for medical attention, regardless of the child’s age. For children older than two, a fever lasting more than 72 hours warrants a professional evaluation to rule out a lingering infection.
Specific warning signs accompanying a fever require immediate medical consultation. These red flags include difficulty breathing, a stiff neck, extreme lethargy or unusual drowsiness, and an unexplained rash.
If a child under three months of age has a temperature of 100.4°F (38.0°C) or higher, prompt medical attention is always necessary. Seeking a professional diagnosis ensures the fever’s true cause is identified and treated appropriately, separating the allergic symptoms from the infectious process.