TROY, Ala. (TROJANVISION) — Sniffles and sneezes from the cold weather may be long gone, but with a new season comes a familiar problem for many across campus: seasonal allergies.
Each year, the start of spring brings warmer temperatures and blooming flowers. Along with the seasonal beauty, some students across Trojan territory are also experiencing the return of allergy symptoms.
One student, Bella Williams, said allergies can make everyday life more difficult.
“They suck and it makes doing life kind of difficult.”
According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, pollen levels are expected to remain high. The organization reports that because of climate change, allergy sufferers can expect a longer and more intense pollen season. Plants are experiencing longer growing seasons, which means they produce a greater quantity of highly allergenic pollen.
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A professor in the School of Music at Troy University said he tries not to let allergies take away from the positives that spring brings.
“To me I think it’s more of a distraction,” said professor Dr. Robert Pendergast. “If I really focus on it, it makes it worse.
“Feeding the turtles or looking around takes my mind off of it and I don’t seem to suffer quite as much.”
Amid seasonal struggles, local pediatrician Dr. Elizabeth Dawson of Troy Pediatric Clinic & Collegiate Health is helping patients manage symptoms and stay healthy during allergy season.
“One of the over-the-counter allergy medicines that are available at your pharmacy, those are usually taken once a day, like a long-acting one to help with allergy symptoms. There’s also great nasal sprays; nasal steroids that are safe to use and can reduce the swelling in your nasal passages.”
Although allergies can be frustrating, Dawson encourages people not to let symptoms keep them from enjoying the outdoors.
“Enjoy what is blooming around you and appreciate that it’s a great time of the year, and don’t be too stressed about allergies. Most people don’t have severe things where they can’t go outside. I work with kids and suggest that they be outside, so using some of those preventative steps can reduce those symptoms.”
