WICHITA, Kansas, Mar 14, 2008 -- Next week, many Kansas kids will be out of school but their spring break may be filled with spring allergies. Today, a surprising survey finds their symptoms can often be misleading and overlooked.

Sneezing and a runny nose are perhaps the most obvious signs of an allergy but many kids suffer from facial pain, ear pressure and other symptoms parents often miss.

"Forty percent of these children often have difficulty sleeping," said Dr. Jennifer Derebery, American Academy of Otolaryngology. "Forty percent of them have difficulty concentrating in school."

The same survey found that more children than ever -- 14% of all kids in the United States -- suffer from allergies so it's important, especially this time of year, to lessen their exposure when possible.

"Closing the windows, understanding that the pollen counts are heaviest before 10 a.m. or 11 a.m., so trying to move activities to later in the afternoon would be helpful."

Nasal washing, using a neti pot, is also popular. This product claims it's safe for kids as young as two.

"And it is incredibly effective in removing, studies show, 80% of the allergens from the nose so that it reduces most of your allergy symptoms," said Dr. Hana Solomon, inventor of Nasopure.

"If you're really allergic, you probably need more than that," said Derebery. "You may want to use a neti pot and then a medication, like an inter-nasal steroid on top of that."

If a daily regimen of allergy medication is needed, doctors recommend starting that right away -- otherwise, spring in full bloom will feel more like an all-out war on your child's sinuses.

While it's true that allergies are becoming more widespread, Doctor Derebery admits they don't know why and they continue to look for better treatments all the time.