Spring brings many new things: warmer weather, plants, colorful trees and sunshine, but as everything begins to bloom and pollens become airborne it puts a whole other meaning for many Americans: spring fever.

One in five people in America show allergic or asthmatic symptoms. Fifty-five percent of  Americans have tested positive to one or more allergies. Signs include runny nose, itchy eyes, coughing, sneezing, swollen lymph nodes, irritated throat, and post nasal drip.

Products like the Neti Pot are some ways to help the effects of allergies.

” The Neti Pot is a great way to flush out the sinuses” said Nurse Barb Geise.

Pollen is made up of small-scale grains that becomes airborne in attempt to pollinate plants of the same species. We come into contact with pollen by inhaling them through the nose or throat, as well as it attaching to the eyes, hair and skin which may cause irritation.

“ It feels like my eyes itch and become watery” said Riley Vanik.

Not only pollen can make a person feel miserable. Mold, dust mites and many other things play a role in making people feel so amazing. Mold likes to grow in moist places that has just the right temperature. Mold on a surface is not so terrible, but once the mold spores become airborne, it poses a problem to people by being the culprit behind most sinus infections. Dust mites on the other hand can cause itchy eyes, runny and inflamed noses and wheezing.

Allergen immunotherapy, also known as allergy shots is a way to actually cure being allergic to something. Many allergy sufferers like freshman Troy Moss receives allergy shots once every month to help cure them of their allergies.

        “The shot feels like a bee sting,” Troy Moss said.

Many different remedies exist besides shots that does not cure but helps the effects of allergies. Air purifiers, hypoallergenic pillow covers, and inhalers all help defend the body against pesky allergens.