Alexis Anderson
Blue & White Flash / Staff Writer
Spring is in the air, literally. From weeds to spores and tree pollens, the warm weather is almost here, driving airborne allergen levels through the roof.
That means sniffling, sneezing, and itchy eyes are in overdrive at Jackson State University. Th ere is a world of spring allergens out there. How can you possibly figure out which one is playing havoc with your eyes, nose, and throat?
“Unlike some people, it is the weather that affects me, not the pollen or trees. I try to keep a decent body temperature to decrease my chances of getting sick. I also take plenty of vitamin C,” said freshman music education major Donte Wright from Houston, Texas.
According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI), there are direct links of climate changes to outdoor allergies. Certain types of weather conditions and seasons affect your allergies more than others. Th e solution to climate-induced
allergies is not to move to another type of climate.
Outdoor allergies affected by climate changes include pollen and mold allergies, as well as allergic asthma.
Pollen is one of the broadest types of allergies because so many different types of grasses, trees and plants can cause symptoms. To make matters more complicated, being allergic to one type of pollen does not mean you are allergic to all types of pollen. Th e AAAAI explains
that the most allergenic types of plants include maple, ash, oak, cedar, poppy, cottonwood, timothy, pine, elderberry, crocus, willow and juniper.
As the season progresses from early spring through to autumn, different types of pollens are released by plants and trigger allergic reactions. Trees are generally the first to pollinate, in late winter and spring, although some varieties can pollinate later in the season, depending on the region. Th e pollination of various grasses follows in late spring and summer.
Drops and spikes in temperature can aggravate or help your allergies, depending on the type. According to the Weather Channel (WC), cold temperatures help decrease pollen in the air. In turn, pollen allergy sufferers will not experience symptoms. Higher-than-normal carbon dioxide emissions are fueling pollen production, telling plants to produce three to five times more pollen. Higher levels of pollens generally occur on warm, dry, and windy days; lower levels of seasonal pollens circulate on calm, wet, and cloudy days.
Victoria Coleman, Assistant Director of JSU Health Services Center states that students should take all measures to stay healthy during this time of the season.
“There is no way to totally avoid seasonal allergies. Those individuals that take weekly or monthly allergy injections may still suffer from allergy symptoms. We see an impressive amount of students for allergies, most frequently when the trees start to pollinate. Students that
have known allergies may want to limit or avoid acidic fruits or nuts. These foods may trigger an allergic reaction in individuals that suffer from allergies.”
She added: “A sudden notice of itching accompanied by a rash to the skin after ingesting or contact with something may be an indicator of an allergic reaction. However, the most effective way to determine if you have an allergy to something is to see an allergist.”
Some JSU students don’t feel the need to take extra precautions to avoid falling ill during the allergy season.
Pat Lane, a sophomore mass communications major from Meridian, Miss., said, “Th e only thing I do to stay healthy is taking two Claritin pills and keep it moving.”
The AAAAI recommends these simple steps to help relieve symptoms and minimize your suffering when allergy season kicks into high gear:
• Use over the counter antihistamines
• Keep doors and windows closed
• Limit outdoor activity
• Take a shower and change clothes
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