Springtime around the University of Kansas is always full of mixed emotions and feelings. Sure, there’s the whole almost-national basketball champions thing. But then there’s also the weight of finals week coming up right before semester’s end. And in the midst of the beautiful flowers, trees and grasses around the KU campus that have begun to appear, many students are finding themselves absolutely … miserable.
The trees are beautiful, but they can also reap havoc on your spring allergies ... and your focus for final exams!
Spring Allergies
You might have grown up with spring allergies as a child, especially if you’re from the Midwest. However as you reach your college years and beyond, if you didn’t have them as a child, you might notice adult onset allergy symptoms. Typically spring allergy symptoms involve a clear runny nose, itchy eyes and throat, congestion, dark circles under the eyes and even a headache. While some of these could be mistaken as the common cold, if they persist and seem to get worse when the pollen count is high, you’re probably facing spring allergy symptoms.
How to Treat Spring Allergies
Spring allergies don’t really pose a serious threat unless you suffer from asthma, then you need to make sure you’re taking the proper precautions. However what spring allergies can hurt is your focus. Some people can shrug off the runny nose and itchy eyes, but others suffer from drowsiness and headaches. Allergy symptoms can get quite miserable as the pollen counts increase. It’s wise to look into medication and creative ways to ward off symptoms to retain focus for finals week.
Medications for Allergies
Are you hesitant to go on allergy medications because you’re not “for sure” that’s what you have? The first step to take when you suspect you have spring allergies is to get an allergy test. This will conclude if you do or don’t struggle with seasonal spring allergies and help you decide if you need to see a doctor or take over-the-counter medication.
Use your Air Conditioning
Although the cool breezes of spring might be relaxing and calming, they can actually make you feel worse if you have spring allergies. Pollen travels through the air so closing the windows and using the A/C to cool you off will create less problems.
Study Inside
The same goes for choosing where you study. Sure, a blanket on the lawn sounds nice and relaxing but if you’re suffering from pollen produced in trees and/or the grass, steer clear of the outdoors and grab a seat in the library while you’re preparing for final exams this spring.
Be On Guard for Mold
Another spring allergy cause (in addition to pollen) is mold. Dusty dorms and old apartments are places where moisture and mold spores like to hang out. If you’re noticed an increase of symptoms when you spend time in your dorm room or living space, consider requesting that the air conditioner filter be changed or that the apartment manager or residence hall director request a mold test and make sure your room isn’t only comfortable … but safe for you, too.
Hopefully a few of these steps will help you survive finals week if you’re in Lawrence, KS this year and suffering from spring allergies! Good luck!
Student Health Blog 