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Autumnal allergies abound on KU campus

By Aly Van Dyke

Thursday, August 20, 2009

For Vanessa Green, Fredonia senior, the start of school wouldn’t be the same without her bottle of Zyrtec and eye drops.

“In the fall, I feel horrible,” she said. “I can’t breathe through my nose, but the worst part is my eyes. They won’t stop itching. I can’t even wear my contacts.”

Green is allergic to ragweed, dust, milo and seven different trees, among other things, and she’s certainly not alone.

Because of the high humidity in the state and the variety of plants and trees on campus, seasonal allergies are one of the most common reasons for visits to Watkins Memorial Health Center at the start of the fall semester, said Patty Quinlan, nursing supervisor at Watkins. In addition to allergies, she said intestinal problems, such as constipation and bloating, muscular and skeletal injuries and moderate to severe cuts combine to make up the top four reasons for visits to Watkins early in the school year.

Allergies

Quinlan said ragweed was the most prevalent allergen during the fall. However, the season is riddled with several other allergens that can be a shock to the senses, especially for students who aren’t from around Lawrence.

Allergens can be difficult to avoid, especially given the University’s green campus, but there are a few tricks, such as keeping the home clean and dry.

For those suffering from allergies this time of year, the pharmacy at Watkins offers several antihistamines, decongestants and saline nasal sprays to make the fall easier on the eyes and noses of students.

Cathy Thrasher, chief pharmacist at Watkins, said the pharmacy carried several over-the-counter antihistamines, including the generics for Claritin and Zyrtec. She said the Claritin generic was the top seller. A month’s supply costs $1.70 plus tax.

Gastrointestinal

Coming to campus doesn’t only mean a change in climate. It also means a change in diet, which Quinlan said could lead to a number of stomach problems, including abdominal pain, diarrhea and constipation.

When experiencing these gastrointestinal problems, Quinlan advised students to consume only clear liquids for 24 hours, then slowly introduce what is known as the “BRAT diet” — bananas, rice, apples and toast.

Quinlan emphasized slowly introducing this diet while also laying off high-fat and spicy foods for a while.

Musculoskeletal

Number three on Quinlan’s list of start-of-semester Watkins visits is broken bones and sprained or twisted ligaments and muscles.

One way students injure themselves is by playing pick up games in the gym.

“It can get rough without referees, so students need to protect each other,” she said.

Students can protect themselves from these injuries by stretching beforehand and staying in shape.

High heels are also a common factor in Watkins visits, according to Quinlan.

“They’re cute, but they’re not practical for the hills of KU,” she said.

Quinlan recommended resting the injured area and applying ice every 20 minutes or three to four times a day for as long as symptoms persist. Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen reduce swelling and pain.

Lacerations and abrasions

Quinlan also sees many students with cuts, which she attributes to attempts by students to channel their inner chefs.

“A lot of individuals are cooking for the first time and using kitchen gadgets they haven’t had to be aware of,” she said, listing bagel cutters and cheese graters as examples.

She said people with cuts should keep the injury out of stagnant water, which means no baths or hot tubs. She said the restriction did have its perks — especially if the cut was on a hand.

“You get out of doing dishes,” she said.

Quinlan advised cleaning the wound with hand soap and water and applying antibiotic ointment.

Staying healthy

Students can keep themselves out of Watkins by following a few, simple rules: eat healthy, exercise daily, cut down alcohol intake and get sleep.

Quinlan emphasized that practicing good respiratory hygiene, such as covering your mouth when coughing and washing hands thoroughly with soap and water, was also important to staying healthy.

— — Edited by Brenna M. T. Daldorph

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