It's that time of year again. Auburn is welcoming spring, but with it comes pollen and other outdoor allergens. Students on campus said they are already experiencing the effects of this season's allergies. "My eyes started itching and I got congested as soon as we had our first warm day," said Jessica Corona, senior in political science. Corona said she is allergic to just about everything the spring season brings, especially pollen and ragweed. "My nose runs, I cough, I sneeze," Corona said. "All the typical symptoms of an allergy sufferer." But, Corona, a native of Eastaboga near Talladega, said her allergies are much better in Auburn than at home. "I suffer less here than at home, thank goodness," Corona said.
Kelsey George said she agreed with Corona about her allergies being worse at home. "There must be something about Auburn that clears me up," George said. George, sophomore in fisheries and allied aquaculture, said she tends to be most allergic to pollen and grass, but her allergies are worse at home in Sewanee, Ga. My allergies haven't really started yet," George said. "I'm just waiting for it." Corona said her allergies got bad enough that her doctor prescribed her Xycal, a daily pill that eases her symptoms.
Matt Adams, medical trainer for the University, said this is a common medicine prescribed to allergy sufferers. "Flonase, Allegra, Zrytec and Claritin are all affective and popular medicines for Alabama allergies," Adams said. "Zyrtec and Claritin can be bought over the counter, so that's a plus for students that don't want to see a doctor." Adams said that there are specific medications for sufferers of congestion. "Allegra D and Claritin D have the same types of decongestants that any cold medicine have," Adams said. "The antihistamines are affective as well."
Kylie Miller, senior in pre-physical therapy, said she feels like she is basically allergic to everything. A Scottsdale, Ariz., native, Miller said she agrees with the medications Adams has suggested for her, and her allergies are much worse in Auburn.
"The dry air out (in Arizona) is much better for me than it is here," Miller said. "It rains a lot here, and mold is constantly growing."
She also said she has recently turned to a new allergy treatment called "Neti Pots." "You warm them up in the microwave and then breathe the steam in," Miller said. "They really clear you up." Adams said cedar is a predominant allergen throughout March in Alabama. Other tree pollens and mold are also growing rapidly during this month, he said. Adams said he suggested changing your sheets on a regular basis and purchasing Claritin or Zyrtec to clear up the symptoms. Miller said she has her own tricks for easing her ailments. "I keep the clothes that I have worn outside away from my room" Miller said. "They go straight in my hamper. Just because you can't see the pollen, doesn't mean it isn't stuck all over your clothes."
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