Tips for helping kids avoid seasonal allergy discomfort

Spring is here and kids (and parents) everywhere are spending more and more time outside. But with an especially severe allergy season predicted across the U.S. this year, uncomfortable symptoms could prevent your children from hitting the playgrounds, parks, trails and fields.

"This season can be especially trying for children who suffer from allergies, as they struggle to participate in outdoor activities without triggering the sneezing, runny nose, eye irritation, or in some cases, asthma symptoms and hives that can be caused by pollens, molds, food allergies or a typical bee sting," said Dr. Ronit Herzog of New York Presbyterian Hospital.

Taking a few precautions could help fathers and mothers help their kids manage their seasonal allergies.

Experts say keeping kids indoors early in the day may help avoid severe symptoms since pollen counts are highest between 5 a.m. and 10 a.m. In addition, making sure your children take a bath or shower after playing outside can help remove allergens from their skin and hair.

Using an air conditioner at home and in the car can help reduce the number of outside irritants that are let in.

Talking to your pediatrician about over-the-counter and prescription allergy medications may be necessary, depending on your child’s reactions. Experts also say that using saline nasal spray can help kids alleviate allergy discomfort without the possible side effects or fatigue sometimes associated with traditional medications.