Seasonal allergies affects students once again

    Though the sun is finally out and the weather is warmer, spring is not a time of fun and play for those who have to carry the burden of congested noses and itchy throats.

   “They’re a real big pain,” said junior Robin Scott, who is allergic to tree and grass pollen. The blossoms and budding leaves are here along with the sneezing and itching of seasonal allergies. It is estimated that 35 million people suffer from seasonal allergies and 40 percent of the allergy sufferers are children. This means about ten percent of the population is allergic, forcing them to spend$42.4 million annually on medications and $1.1 billion for doctors’ payments.

 “I was in my house and I opened the window and something came into my nose and I started sneezing. My eyes started getting itchy and red and my nose got really stuffy,” said sophomore Mohamed Kamara. “I don’t know if I have allergies. This is the first time this has happened to me.” Kamara is probably allergic to tree pollen, which causes most spring allergies, since he exhibits some of the symptoms like the itchy, red eyes and stuffy nose. The symptoms of seasonal allergies mirror the signs of a cold, but unlike a cold, the symptoms of seasonal allergies happen all at once. Symptoms for a cold last about a week, so if those symptoms extend beyond that time frame, it is likely that the person has seasonal allergies.

     “I hate to go outdoors,” said senior Justin Nguyen, “because I get a stuffy nose and my eyes tear up.” Instead of enjoying the fresh air, he has to worry about how much pollen is floating in it. The pollen is everywhere, and for those who are allergic to it, their immune systems use histamines to defend the body from the pollen, but in the process it causes itching, sneezing, and stuffy noses.

   “Before I go out, I have to take a pill and nose spray and eye wash and if I walk outside for too long I have to put ice on my eye,” said Scott. It seems like more of a hassle and chore to go outside than it is to stay inside. Like most of those interviewed with allergies, the symptoms do not affect her schoolwork, but it does affect her weekend plans.

 “I definitely don’t go outside as much unless I take medicine,” said junior Bianca Temple. Pollen allergies restrict some of the freedom and plans of it sufferers.

  “I miss going out with my friends,” said Nguyen. Sometimes sacrifices have to be made in order to lessen the impact of the symptoms.
Senior Cindy Manlan found a solution for her allergies to pollen, peanut butter, and carrots. “I got allergy shots in the second grade, but I still stay away from them, though I don’t get the symptoms anymore.” Allergy shots usually take six months of one or two weekly shots to take effect and clear up congestion, but then monthly shots are given for three to five years. Most people take over the counter medication or prescription drugs to relieve their allergy symptoms if only for the day. For some natural options, spicy foods and herbal supplements like freeze-dried nettles have also been proven to clear nasal congestion.

  “My eyes get very watery in the morning and I have so much sinus congestion until I take a Claritan,” said junior Bum Hee Lee. The nearest CVS or Giant has all the over-the counter medicines an allergy sufferer could need; these which work for some may not work for others, so a lot of trial and error may be necessary before finding the right medication.

  To keep pollen out of sight it is best to close the windows while at home and when in a car, since pollen can easily travel through the air and inside the home or car. It is best to just let the air conditioner run. When the pollen count is high, it is best to stay indoors, especially when it is windy and pollen is traveling more abundantly in the air. Washing the hair more frequently is also beneficial since pollen clings to the hair.

“It usually happens on weekends because that’s when I’m out most. I just started taking medication. I sneeze a lot, my nose and eyes get itchy and my eyes swell. My nose and throat get really itchy too. It’s just miserable,” said junior Kate Salpini. Those without allergies probably cannot imagine how frustrating it is to live with seasonal allergies and all the precautions the sufferer has to take in order to relieve the pain.