By Alex Sorce –
It’s that time again.
The time that affects the same victims every year.
You know, the sneezing, sniffling, itchy eye watering, nose running time of the year.
It’s allergy season.
The spring season is bringing more than warm weather. Allergies are at the top of the charts again here in Penn Manor. Sniffling, and sneezing, there seems to always be someone blowing their nose in a classroom.
“The seasons are getting longer—they’re starting earlier and pollens are getting released earlier,” said Dr. Stanley Fineman, president-elect of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology and an allergist at the Atlanta Allergy and Asthma Clinic.
“There is also more CO2 (carbon dioxide) in the air, which plants feed off of causing them to release more pollen. This pollen can be more potent and more allergenic than it is with less CO2 in the air,” said Dr. Fineman.
Some students think that the allergies can be blamed by the weather changing. Most are affected by the release of pollen from flowers that are beginning to bloom.
“Trees, weeds, and flowers are blooming which is releasing pollen. Pollen is what causes allergy symptoms that causes trickily throats, runny noses, etc… Pollen is the agent causing symptoms,” said nurse Anne Butterfield.
“I just got allergies and I’m mostly affected when the weather changes drastically. In the morning my sinuses are congested,” said senior Brendan Kincade.
Not only are allergies effecting the wellness of students, it’s distracting to students and can even be embarrassing at times.
“I hate having allergies I have to blow my nose in front of people which I also hate doing.” said senior Karli Heiserman.
It seems that when not in allergy season everything is great for students and teachers, but when it finally hits, there’s no doubt that spring is here.
“I always forget about my allergies until spring time comes and it just hits me. Allergies cast a small shadow over my summer,” said science teacher Nick Schwartz.
Not everyone is as lucky as one Penn Manor student. Senior Matt Shroyer has no allergies and isn’t a victim to the terrorizing pollen.
“I can smell flowers without crying,” said Shroyer.