Brooklyn Pediatrician Dr. Michael Gabriel Helps Identify a Cold vs. Allergies

BOHEMIA, N.Y., May 16, 2014 /PRNewswire-iReach/ -- Dr. Michael Gabriel of GPM Pediatrics, a Brooklyn Pediatric Center, reveals the differences between the common cold and allergies among children according to an article published by Sciencedaily.com.

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According to the article, parents often confuse symptoms of the common cold with allergies and vice versa. Some of the symptoms of both include: runny, stuffy, and itchy noses, sneezing, coughing, fatigue, and headaches. However, there are several minor ways that parents can tell the difference between symptoms to help diagnose a cold or allergies.

One way that parents can identify a difference is the color of the mucus. If it is thick and yellow it is probably the common cold, if it is clear and watery it might be allergies. In addition, children will often complain of itchy and scratchy throats and itchy eyes. This is not common for the cold. There are also several preventative measures that can be taken if it is discovered that a child has allergies. Some include: minimizing early morning outdoor activity, keeping vehicle windows closed, taking allergy medicine.

Dr. Michael Gabriel of GPM Pediatrics offers his insight on the issue as a renowned pediatrician in the New York area. Gabriel says "Children will often dread the spring because of allergy season. It's almost a catch 22 because you want to encourage them to go outside and be active during this time but on the other hand you don't want them to be uncomfortable." Gabriel gives some advice on what children can do to stay comfortable until pollen counts are lowered as the summer begins.

"Children should change their clothes after an outdoor activity and remove those clothes from their room. They should also wash their hair, hands, and face after being outdoors to rid pollen from their body." Gabriel also suggests that parents get their children checked out by their pediatrician if they suspect they might have allergies. "You never want to self-diagnose and your physician can get you the appropriate medication and offer advice on what else you can do."

GPM Pediatrics provides comprehensive pediatric care to children throughout the New York area with practices both in Brooklyn and Staten Island. Our board certified pediatricians and experienced staff help provide a very warm and nurturing environment for both you and your children. Our approach combines the latest treatment methods with the personal attention you should expect from your doctor. Simply put, we understand the importance of communication and trust and we are earning that trust one family at a time.

Media Contact: Scott Darrohn, GPM Pediatrics, 855-347-4228, [email protected]

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SOURCE GPM Pediatrics