How do I know if my son has hayfever?

[riab]

My 15 month old has been suffering with a permenant runny nose for months and months (since about 6 months ol)
He also has red eyes frequently and sneezes as soon as we get outside.

could he have hay fever and how would i know for certain, if he does what do i do about it?

See your GP, he will probably advise that he is treated for hayfever and if the medicines work then you will know that is what it is. If things don't improve he may suggest allergen testing at some point.HTH

Isn't it more likely to be an allergy to something in the home (dust / feathers etc.) and the outside air maybe just excites the hairs in the nose causing sneezes, or maybe in addition to the interior triggers he also has allergies to pollutants / various pollens etc. ?

Oh, and pets of course...

Sorry Nellie, have to disagree with you re the under 5 diagnosis. My brother was diagnosed at around aged 3 (30 odd years ago) but do agree it is generally seasonal. Plus he had eczema and asthma

Riab, there's not a lot that can be done for such young children I'm afraid, Is it only the sneezing and red eyes? And is it def. only outside?

Sorry, don;t want to belittle the problem, I know how awful it can be

Nellie, calm down!

Still disagree that it is rarely seen in under 5's but yes in riab's ds's case, yes it doesn't seem to add up to being hayfever.

thanks for advice etc, think it may be a cat hair allergy?

we only have carpets on two rooms and his room is wooden floors. I do try and change bedding reasonably regularly so hope it isn't dust mites.

The sneezing is an outside thing (well 90% of the time) and the past two days when its been cooler and wetter it seems to have been alot better.

DS had a permanent cold that we blamed on the dogs, mites, dust, etc until it disapeared when we learned he was allergic to milk and removed it from his diet.

But he gets it badly with cats now.