Alexis Anderson
Staff Writer
Spring has officially arrived and while many Jackson State University students are looking forward to the promise of warmer weather from the yellow sunshine, another yellow substance have many running inside for shelter.
Yes, the trees are sprouting, the flowers are blooming and the grass is growing. This all means one thing, the pollen is out in full effect and allergy season is upon us. Along with acquiring sun-dresses, shorts, and sandals, many people have added tissues and medications to the list of must-haves for the spring.
According to weather.com, Jackson, Miss. has measured in at a whopping 9.9 on a scale of 12.0 for pollen levels this week and currently ranks number 5 on the 2014 Allergy Capitals list, which is a decrease compared to ranking number 1 for spring allergies last year. The site states that the harsh winter will contribute to a bad allergy season.
Dr. Samuel Jones, physician with JSU Health Services Center, said so far he has not seen an increase in the number of patients coming in complaining about allergies.
He also questions the designation of Jackson, as the 5th worst place to live for allergy sufferers.
“I question how that designation came about,” Jones said. “I’m not sure Mississippi is a greater risk for people with allergies. Sure the weather is milder here, maybe more flowers, pollen, less concrete, etc., but I don’t think allergy season here is a major public health crisis.”
Some students who suffer during the spring season might not agree with Dr. Jones.
“I have bad allergies. I take Benadryl and Zyrtec regularly for my sinuses. I try my best to stay away from pollen,” said David Palmer, a junior business administration from Flora, Miss.
Dwayne Evans, a senior social science/ethnic studies major from Jackson, Miss. said, “When the season starts, I have to buy some sinus medicine to control my allergies. My eyes will turn red and my nostrils will get stuffy from the pollen. It’s impossible to stay away from the pollen, because it is everywhere outside. You just can’t avoid it.”
Jacqueline Childs, a senior business administration major from Chicago, Ill., stated: “My son and I have pretty bad allergies around this time of the year. I take vitamins and stock plenty of tissue for my children. My family and I only use organic products, so we should be fine.”
Dr. Jones has seen students who come to the health center with pre-existing allergy conditions requesting they continue with their prescribed shots, but be believes most patients can be treated with prescription sinus-related medicine or over-the-counter remedies.
According to http://health.usnews.com, this list of six allergy treatments and prevention strategies may help you find some relief.
1. Clean out your nose
2. Try an over-the-counter allergy medicine
3. Consider a prescription nasal spray or eye drops
4. Use decongestants
5. Close windows and turn on the air conditioning
6. Using immunotherapy drops or/and tablets
Jones added that rarely would he recommend an allergist unless someone suffers from a debilitating condition associated with allergies, such as they can’t have a pet or can’t work in certain places because of things like carpet fibers, etc. Since they are specialists, allergists can be expensive.
After you have tried all the over-the-counter meds and home remedies and your misery still persists, it may be time to consider a specialist. According to the Mississippi Asthma and Allergy Clinic, individuals should see an allergist when:
• Your allergies are causing symptoms such as chronic sinus infections, nasal congestion or difficulty breathing.
• You experience hay fever or other allergy symptoms several months out of the year.
• Antihistamines and over-the-counter medications do not control your allergy symptoms or create unacceptable side effects, such as drowsiness.
• Your asthma or allergies are interfering with your ability to carry on day-to-day activities.
• Your asthma or allergies decrease the quality of your life.
• You are experiencing warning signs of serious asthma such as:
o You sometimes have to struggle to catch your breath.
o You often wheeze or cough, especially at night or after exercise.
o You are frequently short of breath or feel tightness in your chest.
o You have previously been diagnosed with asthma, and you have frequent asthma attacks even though you are taking asthma medication.
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