Allergies have taken the Central Valley by storm this season and people all over are suffering from debilitating allergy symptoms. The dry air and dust have settled in early this year, and as the agricultural area we live in begins to harvest, we will have to find alternative ways to deal with these allergy symptoms.
Sneezing, wheezing and the constant itching from allergies is something that is seen all over campus this time of year and can make your life uncomfortable. Many people suffering from seasonal allergies look to different forms of relief to help them overcome allergies and get through their days of work and school.
The Student Health Center is available Monday through Friday to assist current students with any health care needs. Those looking to soothe their allergy symptoms with an anti-histamine or decongestant can visit the Health Center Pharmacy. Benadryl, Zyrtec, Claritin and Mucinex offer great relief for the everyday allergy symptoms. The Student Health Center can be reached at 209-667-3396.
In a campus announcement sent to faculty and staff of CSU Stanislaus, Dr. Sergio Mazon, chief of medical staff at the Student Health Center, gave some helpful tips to help with seasonal allergies.
“Springtime allergies or allergic rhinitis are definitely irritating,” Mazon said. ”If you are not sure whether you have a cold or an allergy, it’s always OK to seek medical evaluation. We can treat you appropriately and refer you to an allergy specialist if needed.”
The Student Health Center also recommends vacuuming frequently and avoiding trees pollinating and freshly cut grass.
The most common fix for allergy symptoms are medications and even though these can help with allergies, they also can have many negative side affects and leave you drowsy. Many people look for alternative remedies for allergies and a popular form of allergy relief has been seen in the NetiPot and the use of local honey.
Nursing student Maggie Fabry suffers from severe allergies and has looked to natural remedies to give her some relief.
Fabry explained that honey local to where you live is a great way to help prevent allergies because it exposes you to the allergens you may be susceptible to during the allergy season. Though honey is a great way to prepare you for the allergy season, this method should not be used with children.
“I get terrible allergies,” Fabry said. “I have a tablespoon of honey twice a day in my tea, but I also use Claritin.”
Fabry also explained the benefits of using the NetiPot, “It treats congestion and clears your sinuses which are results of allergies.”
The NetiPot is a product that can be purchased at most drugstores and comes with a plastic or ceramic teapot-styled device and small packages of saline solution. NetiPot users are instructed to use only distilled water to protect their sinuses and provide the best experience. Once the saline solution has been mixed in the NetiPot, the user rotates it back and forth between nostrils, irrigating the nasal passages while breathing in and out through the mouth. While the first few uses can make users uncomfortable, the lasting affect of a sinus rinse will leave allergy sufferers feeling refreshed.
As a student of CSU Stanislaus, if you are suffering from the Valley killer this allergy season, utilize the Student Health Center to get the relief you need. Use their helpful tips and learn to cope with your symptoms and take control of your health.