Risk Factors

• Children are more likely to have hay fever if a parent has seasonal allergies. Boys are more likely to have hay fever than girls, and firstborn children also have a higher risk. Children with other kinds of allergies or eczema are also more likely to have nasal allergies.
  
  

Symptoms

• Children commonly have a clear runny nose with hay fever, and sneezing is also common. The eyes, throat and ears may itch. Hay fever can also cause a dry cough and watery eyes. Children with allergic rhinitis may have dark circles under their eyes. The timing of symptoms may offer clues as to which allergen is to blame for a child's hay fever . For instance, spring allergies are usually caused by pollen, while year-round allergies may be caused by dust mites, mold or animals.
  
  

Prevention

• Breastfed babies tend to be less likely to develop hay fever as children, and babies exposed to other children and animals also have a decreased risk. Once hay fever develops, prevention involves avoiding triggers as much as possible.
  
  

Home Treatment

• Saline nasal spray can provide relief for some children with hay fever. Consider using a dehumidifier in your home if your child is allergic to mold. Closed windows can help a child get relief indoors, and a clean home and bedding can also alleviate symptoms.
  
  

Medical Treatment

• Your doctor may recommend antihistamines, eye drops or nasal sprays to treat your child's hay fever. An allergist can test your child to determine which allergen is causing the reaction. Allergy shots may be given in some cases when a specific allergen has been found to be the culprit.
  
  

Complications

• Children with hay fever may have more ear infections than children without allergies. They are also at risk for sinus infections, and even asthma, according to BabyCenter. Children with allergies may have trouble sleeping at night, and they might find it hard to concentrate during the day.