JSU students and experts offer advice on dealing with seasonal allergies

File Photo

Jania Harris
Staff Writer

Spring has officially arrived and while many Jackson State University students eagerly anticipate spending time outdoors enjoying the warmer weather, they are not looking forward to the pollen that comes with it.

For millions of people worldwide, the changing seasons bring about a different experience: seasonal allergies, also known as hay fever. 

Characterized by symptoms such as sneezing, nasal congestion, itchy eyes, and coughing, seasonal allergies can significantly impact daily life and diminish overall well-being. Fortunately, there are several expert strategies and tips available to help manage and alleviate these bothersome symptoms. 

According to the Director of the JSU Health Center, Dr. Samuel Jones, Jr., students needing assistance with allergy symptoms is on the rise.

“Yes, we are seeing an uptick in patients seen for allergy symptoms. We are recommending over the counter products like Cetirizine (Zyrtec) or similar products and recommending affected students to minimize exposure to outdoor pollen-producing environments,” said Dr. Jones

Dr. Jones said that students can walk into the Health Center without an appointment to be evaluated for their symptoms. 

“We have a variety of over-the-counter as well as prescription medications available at no cost to students,” said Dr. Jones. 

JSU students suffering from seasonal allergies explained what they are doing to alleviate symptoms.

“I have to take a dang allergy shot once every other week called Dupixent, which helps to a certain extent. Not only does it help my allergies, but it also helps my asthma and eczema,” said Damien Terry, a freshman biomedical engineering student from Houston, Texas. “Additionally, I take Zyrtec every day.”

Trinidi Bennett, a freshman biology/pre-physical therapy major from Atlanta, Ga., explained how she manages allergies while at school. 

“I keep my Epi-pen and my allergy medicine with me. I also take time in the morning to see the pollen count and decide if I need to take extra medicine due to how high it’ll be,” said Bennett.

Travisha Garner, a freshman in biology/pre-dental major from West Helena, Ark., suggested that students take over-the-counter medicine during this time.

“My advice to anyone with allergies is to take some Benadryl. It gets the job done,” said Garner.

WebMD suggests these five tips for managing seasonal allergies:

1. Keep Up with Local Pollen Counts: Keeping up with local pollen counts is one of the first steps in managing seasonal allergies. Early in the morning and on windy days are usually when pollen counts are highest.

2. Invest in air filtration: Although it is hard to upgrade the air quality in a dorm room, one of the major tips in dealing with seasonal allergies is bettering indoor air quality. This is crucial for allergy sufferers, especially during the busiest pollen seasons.

3. Keep Windows Closed: Opening windows lets in fresh air, but it can also bring in allergens from outside, such as mold spores and pollen. It is best to keep doors and windows closed on days with high pollen counts to keep allergens out of your home.

4. Use Nasal Irrigation: Nasal irrigation is a straightforward but efficient method for treating sinus symptoms and congestion brought on by seasonal allergies. People can gently clear their nasal passages of allergies, mucus, and irritants by using a saline solution with a nasal rinse bottle or neti pot.

5. Speak with an Allergist: It may be essential to speak with an allergist or immunologist if a person has severe or ongoing allergy symptoms. Allergists can pinpoint certain triggers and provide individualized treatment regimens based on the results of allergy testing. 

Seasonal allergies can be debilitating, but with the correct tactics and expert advice, symptoms can be effectively managed and overall quality of life improved.