Take steps to control your child's spring and summer allergies

Because pollen levels and mold growth increase in the spring and summer, outdoor allergies are much more common during these months. However, children with nasal allergies do not have to spend all season indoors.

Here are a few tips to make the spring and summer more fun for those who suffer from allergies:

• If your doctor has prescribed medicine, take it before going outside to prevent or lessen the severity of allergy symptoms (unless otherwise indicated by your physician).
• Dry clothes in a dryer, not on an outside clothesline.
• After being outside, change clothes and take a shower.
• Avoid going outside on warm, breezy days or when there is an air pollution alert. Stay inside with windows and doors closed and the air conditioning on.

If your child has allergy symptoms such as a runny or stuffed-up nose, itchy eyes or dark circles under the eyes that continue for a prolonged period of time, take him or her to see a doctor. Left untreated, nasal allergies can lead to asthma, which is the condition most likely to send a child to the emergency room. Both over-the-counter and prescription allergy medications are available to treat children. Your child's doctor can help you determine if medication will be safe and beneficial for your child.