As the seasons change, particularly from winter to spring, many people find themselves battling onset symptoms. The arrival of spring brings an increase of pollen, which can trigger a range of symptoms. As the weather warms up, the air is filled with allergens such as trees, grass, and weed pollen. Allergies occur when the immune system reacts excessively to substances that are typically harmless to others. For students, these symptoms can be disruptive to their daily routines.
Allergies can really take effect the most during spring. The constant sneezing, itchy eyes, and stuffy nose make it hard to enjoy the weather. “My allergies are year-long, but they are most prominent during spring. I typically get extremely congested. I think the worst thing about them is that my eyes get itchy,” said freshman Heidy Aguiar.
Allergies can do more than physical discomfort, it significantly affects Osborn students’ academic performance. “The trigger for my allergies is pollen. I usually have cold-like symptoms. I get embarrassed in class sometimes when I cough too loud,” said sophomore Amayah Hill.
Allergies are commonly triggered in the presence of pollen. Mere outdoor activity can set off hypersensitivity. “If I touch anything outside, rub my eyes, or don’t wash my hands after being out, I eventually start sneezing throughout the day. My symptoms are itchy eyes, sneezing, and coughing. They last the entire season,” said junior Preston Short.
The change of seasons can bring discomfort. These symptoms often interfere with schoolwork. “My symptoms are runny noses, itchy throat, and watery eyes. It distracts me from my classwork because I can’t pay attention properly. It usually lasts a week whenever the season changes,” said freshman Marycruz Sanchez Orellana.
For some, allergies persist through multiple seasons. “Pollen is the trigger for my allergies. I have allergies from Spring to Winter. My symptoms are sneezing, and coughing, and my ear will hurt. It sometimes distracts me throughout the day, because my nose runs. My allergies affect me the most in my nose and ears because I can’t hear anybody. It lasts a month and I don’t take anything, I just deal with it,” said freshman Jaida Morton.
Allergies can make studying in school a challenge constant congestion and fatigue make it hard to focus. “My symptoms are sneezing, itchy eyes and throat, and watery eyes. It really distracts me through the day because I have to repeatedly get up to blow my nose, and my eyes itch, so I can’t focus,” said freshman Ariannah Liebermann.
Allergies can spread in many ways, going outside or laying on the grass can be common triggers for allergies. Exposure to the outdoor environment can lead to a variety of allergens including pollen, dust, and mold. “My allergies are very bad the moment summer and spring come along I start to sneeze, my throat starts burning and I start getting the pink eye. My allergies start hurting the most when I’m hanging out or when I lay on the grass,” said freshman Lesly Rodriguez.
“I personally don’t get any seasonal allergies and if I do it’s very rare for me,” said Junior Lamarcus Everett
Seasonal allergies can be frustrating having a good routine like taking warm showers, not going outside can help reduce the allergies. “When I get seasonal allergies, the best way I deal with it is by taking warm showers, drinking green tea, and avoiding outside unless it’s necessary,” said freshman Amaya Brooks.
Dealing with allergies, especially during school, can be challenging. However, there are several strategies that can cease symptoms and improve functioning throughout the day. Reducing exposure to allergens can give relief. Showering after school can prevent pollen from spreading indoors. Additionally, washing your hands and face after coming home can remove pollen from your system. It’s important to understand the severity of allergies and what you can do to ease them.
Teachers can also help support students with allergies, like allowing breaks to blow their nose or wash their hands, and providing seats away from windows. Exercise and healthy sleeping schedules can help strengthen the immune system by restoring the body.
Seasonal allergies are a challenge for students, impacting their sinuses and academic performance. By implementing strategies, remedies, and outdoor prevention, learning to cope with your symptoms can make a significant improvement to academic life.
