By Dr. Larry Danksy
ACHOOOOOO!
GOD BLESS YOU!
"You sure have been sneezing a lot!"
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[ Tuesday, Sept. 4, 2001 ]
My Opinion
Students should watch for allergies
Dr. Larry Dansky is a University Health Services physician and manager of general medicine.
"Yeah, maybe I have a cold. I don't feel sick though and I don't have a fever. I just keep sneezing, feel congested, and my eyes are red, itchy, and tearing a lot."
"Maybe you have allergies."
Sound familiar? In fact, this scenario is often heard around campus, particularly with "hayfever" season around the corner. Many students have seasonal allergies and may not know about it. Here are some things you should know about seasonal allergies.
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Healthline Question and Answers
Question: I have had a sore throat off and on for a couple of days. It feels like a burning sensation and I have to constantly drink something for relief. Should I go see a doctor or is it just a sore throat, and it will go away soon?
Answer: Some sore throats are caused by viruses — while others are caused by bacteria — viral infections generally improve on their own in about a week. Bacterial infections tend to worsen over 3 to 4 days and are usually accompanied by a fever and/or difficulty swallowing. Serious complications can develop from untreated bacterial infections so it’s best to be seen by a doctor if your symptoms are worsening, accompanied by a fever or are not better in 3-4 days. In the meantime, warm salt water gargles, Tylenol or Advil and throat lozenges may help decrease your discomfort. Question: I just started the new semester as a transfer student from another college. I don’t know anyone here and my roommate is not very sociable. I like the campus, but I miss all of my friends who went to other colleges. What can I do? Answer: First, what you are experiencing is normal. So give yourself more time to adjust. A good place to meet people is by getting involved in activities outside of your classes. Check out the Student Organization Involvement Fair, scheduled for 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sept. 10 and 11 in the HUB Alumni Hall. If you still can’t shake feelings of loneliness or depression, you can make an appointment with Counseling and Psychological Services at 863-0395. Question: I have been on the pill for about four months now. I had sex once with my boyfriend during my period and he didn’t use a condom. Should I be worried? Answer: If you have been taking birth control pills daily at about the same time, then you should be protected from pregnancy. Even during your period, the pill’s main function is to alter your hormones so that release of the egg from the ovary (ovulation), does not occur. This occurs 14 days before your period begins. |
Treatment strategies vary. Everyone with allergies should attempt to do "environmental control" to the extent possible. This involves keeping your living quarters as free as dust as possible (ask your roommate to clean and dust the apartment), removing animals, and limiting outside exposures during periods of high pollen counts. Many people put up with the symptoms and "live with it". If symptoms are mild and tolerable, this is a good approach although some attempt at environmental control should be instituted. If symptoms warrant medications, most patients take antihistamines. Many are over-the-counter but they may cause drowsiness. The newer prescription antihistamines are better tolerated. If symptoms are not controlled with antihistamines, the next step is to add eye drops for the itchy, red eyes and prescription steroid nasal sprays for congestion. Most patients are well controlled on these medical regimens. Referral to an allergist is indicated if there is inadequate response to the medicines or side effects limit their use.
The allergist will conduct "allergy tests" where pin pricks are administered with multiple allergens to identify reactions. Once the allergies are identified, the patient is started on "desensitization shots" to try to minimize the allergic response. Desensitization works in many patients but does require frequent allergy shots over many years.
If you think you may have allergy-induced asthma, that is you have recurrent coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath, you should be seen by a primary care clinician for an evaluation. We treat many students at University Health Services for seasonal allergies. Please call for an appointment if you think you may have allergies or need assistance with your medications.
