by Kiara Posey
The spring bloom came early this year, which may be beneficial for trees and flowers, but can cause concerns for those with seasonal allergies. In southeastern parts of the United States, spring flowers began blooming almost three weeks earlier than predicted, according to researchers who study the climate.
Seasonal allergies, also known as Hay fever, are usually caused when the body’s immune system reacts to changes in the environment. In this case, when trees and grasses shed pollen in the early spring, it causes an adverse reaction in the body.
“Every time I walk outside, I get attacked by pollen,” said Ashton Bridges, a sophomore graphic design major from Las Vegas, Nevada. “I wake up, walk outside, then sneeze my way through life.”
Those who are experiencing seasonal allergies are not alone. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), about 25.7% of adults have seasonal allergies.
To treat seasonal allergies, professionals suggest consulting with your doctor and taking a long-term antihistamine, as well as eye drops and decongestants.
“The number one thing is, if you start having itchy, watery eyes, sneezing, or nasal congestion is starting on a long-term antihistamine,” said Jacque Chirico, a certified registered nurse practitioner at the Student Health Services Center.
Some students with preexisting health conditions, such as asthma, experience difficulties with the additional pollen this year.
Zoey Williams, a sophomore exercise science major from Birmingham, Alabama, said she has struggled with asthma and seasonal allergies.
“I’ve especially noticed the pollen in the faculty parking lot by Smith Hall,” Williams said. “There have been times where I’ve been really down bad because I was sneezing and sniffling all day. I’ve been coughing and my eyes get really watery.”
She said she takes actions to reduce the effects of pollen.
“Whenever I go inside, I try to wash my hands and keep my hands out of my face,” Williams said. “I also always try to take my medicine to help.”
Chirico also recommended that people with allergies take cautionary actions such as blowing their nose and showering after exposure to pollen.
“If you’re going to be in an area where there is going to be high pollen, you may want to consider some precautions like wearing a mask,” Chirico said. “Especially if you’re going to be doing yard work like cutting grass.”
Chirico said students experiencing any adverse effects of seasonal allergies can visit the Student Health Services Center located on campus.
