For many students, springtime may conjure up images of sunshine, weeklong trips to exotic locales, and flowers and trees in full bloom.

But while many students may be reaching for their t-shirts and flip-flops later this month, others may find themselves reaching for their allergy medication.

Allergies affect as many as 50 million Americans, according to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. A recent national study suggests that over half of all U.S. citizens demonstrate allergic reactions to one or more common environmental substances.

“I’m allergic to a lot of things,” said Tara Trent, freshman nursing major, who has suffered from allergies since she was in middle school. “I’m on medicine so my allergies are not really bad, but when I’m off them, I have the typical runny nose and watery eyes.”

Other common allergy symptoms include rash, itchiness and impaired breathing. The most severe type of allergic reaction, known as anaphylaxis, may lead to cramps, vomiting, diarrhea and even death.

Contrary to popular belief, allergy season never really begins or ends.

According to the National Pollen Network, tree pollen is a common cause of allergy symptoms in the spring, while grass and weed pollen tend to trigger allergies in the summertime. Ragweed and mold allergies are more common in the fall, and “indoor allergy season” occurs during the winter months when people are more exposed to indoor allergens such as dust mites, cockroach droppings and pet animals.

“Around March is when I usually start being affected by pollen,” said John Meara, experimental psychology graduate student. “I also have allergies for pet dander. And dust is another one… if I’m in a room and there’s a bunch of dust flying in the air, that really gets to me.”

Any substances that are foreign to the body may potentially trigger an allergic reaction, including food, medications or microorganisms. Allergic reactions occur as a result of too much immunity in the body. These reactions have different names depending on where in (or on) the body they occur. For example, reactions in the nose and sinuses are called “hayfever,” while reactions on the skin are called hives or angioedema.

Another common allergic reaction, asthma, occurs within the lungs.

“I also have asthma, and that’s seasonal as well,” Meara said. “The asthma comes in the spring, when there’s all that pollen and stuff, as well as when it starts getting colder in the fall. It’s something I’ve had for as long as I can remember.”

Meara, who treats his asthma with an albuterol inhaler, said that his condition does not cause him to experience significant impairment.

“I usually only use my inhaler when I’m wheezing,” Meara said. “Most of the time I’m fine. In the summer, I can do sports and physical activity just fine. Only certain times is it ever kinda rough.”

However, it is not always clear which substance causes a given allergic reaction.

“You don’t really know what people are reacting to when they come in with nasal allergy-like symptoms,” said Mary McDaniel, assistant director of the Department of Student Wellness. “Sometimes you can figure it out, but you won’t know specifically unless you go through allergy testing at an allergist’s office.”

Antihistamines, such as Benadryl, Allegra, and Zyrtec are among the most commonly used anti-allergy medications.

“No matter what you’re allergic to, histamine is one of those chemicals released during an allergy attack,” McDaniel said. “So an antihistamine is aimed at blocking the effects of that chemical.”

Other anti-allergy medications include decongestants and steroid nasal sprays.

McDaniel emphasized the imprecision of treating allergy symptoms.

“Allergy treatment isn’t specific based on what you’re allergic to, no matter what the Zyrtec commercials say, because they all block certain chemicals that are released during an allergic reaction,” she said.

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America provides several tips for managing allergy symptoms at home and on the road.

They recommend dusting and vacuuming often to reduce the amount of dust mites in one’s living space. In addition, keeping doors and windows shut while employing the use of an air filter is an effective way to decrease the amount of pollen one is exposed to indoors.

When taking a trip, those with allergies may find it helpful to travel in the early morning or late evening, when air conditions are better. It may also be helpful to turn on the air conditioner before entering a vehicle and travel with the windows closed to avoid exposure to airborne particles.

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