All about spring allergies: why we get them, and how to cope
Andrea Wright
Issue date: 3/29/07 Section: Health
- Page 1 of 1
As the the days grow warmer, we finally find ourselves outside for longer than it takes us to run from class to class. We also find ourselves being surrounded by runny eyes and sneezing. Yes, spring allergies have arrived.
Allergic rhinitis, or hay fever, affects approximately 30% of the US population. The symptoms are similar to the common cold, but never include a fever. The affected are plagued with sneezing, coughing, runny eyes and noses, and perhaps earaches. Spring time is one of the worst for allergy sufferers because of all the plants that are in bloom, which results in a higher amount of pollen floating in the air.
Allergies are our own bodies' reaction to the environment around us. As we breathe in pollen from trees, some people's immune systems over react and send out histamines and immunoglobulin E antibodies that work to kill the foreign invaders. You can obtain a simple kin test through a doctor to see if you have allergies.
There are some natural, easy ways to limit the amount of symptoms you experience. If you have allergies to pollen, make sure you take a shower each night before bed to wash off any pollen attached to you or your hair. You should avoid going out on breezy days, or during the peak pollen hours of 10am to 4pm. In addition, try to keep windows and door closed, to limit the amount of pollen getting into the house. Also, be aware that many pets will have pollen and dust on them, so it is a good idea to keep animals off of the furniture, and off of you. For anyone with dust allergies, this is a perfect time to do spring cleaning; before air conditioners and fans blow around the dust that has been collecting all winter.
There are also many medications available for allergies, meant specifically to ease the symptoms. Anti-histamines (such as Claritin or Allegra) are a good place to start, however the effect of these will depend on the individual's severity of allergies and any medicinal allergies. One of the downsides to these is that they typically make people drowsy, however many brands now offer non-drowsy pills for those who are susceptible. Antihistamines can relieve sneezing, itching and eye symptoms. Decongestants are also a common treatment, for those with a runny nose. These are available in pill form, or as nasal spray. However, nasal spray should not be used consistently, as it may actually make congestion worse if used for more than a few days in a row.
For severe allergies, there are always prescriptions strength anti-histamines and decongestants. There are also allergy shots available, which will help your immune system accept the foreign pollen. These can be found by talking to your doctor.
Allergies are not always easily treated, and impact many students' lives. Constantly having to sneeze during class and not being able to breathe through your nose can be frustrating for anyone, particularly a busy college student. Artie Zapke, a sophomore with allergies, says, "My allergies make it hard to play sports or go running outside. It's just a hassle to constantly feel sick when I'm trying to work and have fun". The best way to go about allergies is to talk to your doctor about medical treatments, as well as trying to fit our natural prevention methods into your life.
Allergic rhinitis, or hay fever, affects approximately 30% of the US population. The symptoms are similar to the common cold, but never include a fever. The affected are plagued with sneezing, coughing, runny eyes and noses, and perhaps earaches. Spring time is one of the worst for allergy sufferers because of all the plants that are in bloom, which results in a higher amount of pollen floating in the air.
Allergies are our own bodies' reaction to the environment around us. As we breathe in pollen from trees, some people's immune systems over react and send out histamines and immunoglobulin E antibodies that work to kill the foreign invaders. You can obtain a simple kin test through a doctor to see if you have allergies.
There are some natural, easy ways to limit the amount of symptoms you experience. If you have allergies to pollen, make sure you take a shower each night before bed to wash off any pollen attached to you or your hair. You should avoid going out on breezy days, or during the peak pollen hours of 10am to 4pm. In addition, try to keep windows and door closed, to limit the amount of pollen getting into the house. Also, be aware that many pets will have pollen and dust on them, so it is a good idea to keep animals off of the furniture, and off of you. For anyone with dust allergies, this is a perfect time to do spring cleaning; before air conditioners and fans blow around the dust that has been collecting all winter.
There are also many medications available for allergies, meant specifically to ease the symptoms. Anti-histamines (such as Claritin or Allegra) are a good place to start, however the effect of these will depend on the individual's severity of allergies and any medicinal allergies. One of the downsides to these is that they typically make people drowsy, however many brands now offer non-drowsy pills for those who are susceptible. Antihistamines can relieve sneezing, itching and eye symptoms. Decongestants are also a common treatment, for those with a runny nose. These are available in pill form, or as nasal spray. However, nasal spray should not be used consistently, as it may actually make congestion worse if used for more than a few days in a row.
For severe allergies, there are always prescriptions strength anti-histamines and decongestants. There are also allergy shots available, which will help your immune system accept the foreign pollen. These can be found by talking to your doctor.
Allergies are not always easily treated, and impact many students' lives. Constantly having to sneeze during class and not being able to breathe through your nose can be frustrating for anyone, particularly a busy college student. Artie Zapke, a sophomore with allergies, says, "My allergies make it hard to play sports or go running outside. It's just a hassle to constantly feel sick when I'm trying to work and have fun". The best way to go about allergies is to talk to your doctor about medical treatments, as well as trying to fit our natural prevention methods into your life.
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