When spring pops into mind, most think of warmer weather, flowers blooming, and spring sports.
But when some students think spring, they think of runny noses, itchy eyes, and constant coughs.
Spring is the prime time for seasonal allergies.
Athletes need their body to be functioning its best at all times in order to perform well. But when spring allergies start to kick in, they can affect athletes’ training and performance.
Lauren Stefenson ’16, a soccer player, is one of many Staples athletes with spring allergies. “I start sneezing a lot and it’s harder to breathe (in spring). I also have asthma attacks more often during practice because of my allergies.”
According to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology, allergies can trigger symptoms of asthma. Especially for athletes, asthma can make it difficult to practice and perform because of trouble breathing.
“At some points in the season, it got so bad that I wouldn’t even be able to play. I had to keep my Claritin in my bag just in case,” former baseball player Jacob Offir ’16 said.
Allergies nearly impossible to get rid of, but there are some measures athletes can take to keep symptoms controlled in season.
“Students with seasonal allergies should talk to their doctors about taking an antihistamine before the symptoms start and should keep an inhaler with them at all times if they have asthma,” recommends Staples nurse, Susanne Bookbinder.
