Seasonal allergies, aka hay fever, may strike your child for the first time this spring if he's between the ages of 2 and 5 (unlike food allergies, seasonal allergies typically don't develop in infants). So how do you know it's not just another bug he picked up at preschool? Watch for these seven signs. If your child has several, he may need to be evaluated by an allergist, says Princess Ogbogu, M.D., assistant professor of medicine and pediatrics who specializes in allergy and immunology at the Ohio State University Medical Center in Columbus.
1. Family history. Either you, your child, or his father has also suffered from allergies, asthma, or eczema.
2. Lingering congestion. He's got a runny nose that doesn't clear up after a week or so.
3. Watery, itchy eyes accompany his congestion.
4. No fever. He's not running a temperature or complaining about body aches.
5. Rash. It can appear anywhere on his body.
6. Ear infection. Allergies can lead to inflammation in the ear.
7. He gets worse on days when the pollen count is high.