2008 Woodie Awards
When allergies attack
By: Katie Martin
Issue date: 4/23/08 Section: Campus Life
Spring time is here. The birds are singing, the sun is shining and the people in the valley are sneezing their noses off.
Yes, it's that time of the year when allergies are in full bloom. A lot of students have allergic reactions to the blossoms, pollen, freshly mowed grass and many other contributing factors of the spring season.
Allergies are a typical reaction of the immune system and the body's defenses battle new substances in the environment such as pollen, weeds, trees and so on, which trigger seasonal allergies or hay fever. The most common symptoms of allergies are sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, rashes, fever and itchy, watery eyes.
"The valley's famous for seasonal allergies because of all the local agriculture," said Dr. Bruce Wilbur of the Health Center at California State University, Stanislaus. "And when it's windy it leads to a wide range of allergies to be exposed to."
There are several ways to prevent exposure to seasonal allergies. There are treatments that can be obtained over the counter at local grocery stores or pharmacies, and prescription drugs and allergy shots to help prevent or ease symptoms.
Staying indoors on windy days can help when the pollen count is high. Also closing windows, frequent vacuuming or keeping homes free of dust can also avert some symptoms. There are even hypoallergenic pillows, sheets, etc. that can aid against allergies.
Nursing major Amanda Nogues, a sophomore at CSU Stanislaus, has a multitude of allergy problems.
"I have very sensitive skin, and I get a bad rash in the spring due to the pollen in the air," said Norgues. "I take Zyrtec D for it and it clears up the rash in a couple of weeks. I use to have Zyretc D prescribed by my doctor, but now they sell it over the counter which makes it easier for me to get whenever I need it."
Krystle Yumang, a communications studies major has allergies too.
"Yes, I have allergies," Yumang said. "So much so that sometimes I think I'm sick, but really I'm just congested so bad that I get a slight fever."
The Health Center has anti-histamines that can help such as Benadryl for $2 to $3, nasal sprays, Visine eye drops, topical itch creams and more to help alleviate allergy symptoms. An allergy shot often can be administered as well.
"There are allergy shots available at the health center, but they are for continuing shots," said Wilbur. "Not many students do this because it is a weekly thing. These are special shots suited specifically for the student and they must have already seen a specialist and taken an allergy test."
For more information on allergies and medication visit the health center on campus or online for additional services.
Yes, it's that time of the year when allergies are in full bloom. A lot of students have allergic reactions to the blossoms, pollen, freshly mowed grass and many other contributing factors of the spring season.
Allergies are a typical reaction of the immune system and the body's defenses battle new substances in the environment such as pollen, weeds, trees and so on, which trigger seasonal allergies or hay fever. The most common symptoms of allergies are sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, rashes, fever and itchy, watery eyes.
"The valley's famous for seasonal allergies because of all the local agriculture," said Dr. Bruce Wilbur of the Health Center at California State University, Stanislaus. "And when it's windy it leads to a wide range of allergies to be exposed to."
There are several ways to prevent exposure to seasonal allergies. There are treatments that can be obtained over the counter at local grocery stores or pharmacies, and prescription drugs and allergy shots to help prevent or ease symptoms.
Staying indoors on windy days can help when the pollen count is high. Also closing windows, frequent vacuuming or keeping homes free of dust can also avert some symptoms. There are even hypoallergenic pillows, sheets, etc. that can aid against allergies.
Nursing major Amanda Nogues, a sophomore at CSU Stanislaus, has a multitude of allergy problems.
"I have very sensitive skin, and I get a bad rash in the spring due to the pollen in the air," said Norgues. "I take Zyrtec D for it and it clears up the rash in a couple of weeks. I use to have Zyretc D prescribed by my doctor, but now they sell it over the counter which makes it easier for me to get whenever I need it."
Krystle Yumang, a communications studies major has allergies too.
"Yes, I have allergies," Yumang said. "So much so that sometimes I think I'm sick, but really I'm just congested so bad that I get a slight fever."
The Health Center has anti-histamines that can help such as Benadryl for $2 to $3, nasal sprays, Visine eye drops, topical itch creams and more to help alleviate allergy symptoms. An allergy shot often can be administered as well.
"There are allergy shots available at the health center, but they are for continuing shots," said Wilbur. "Not many students do this because it is a weekly thing. These are special shots suited specifically for the student and they must have already seen a specialist and taken an allergy test."
For more information on allergies and medication visit the health center on campus or online for additional services.
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