The 2014-2015 school year has been an interesting one when it comes to pathogens and allergens.
Many people who rarely get sick or experience allergies have found this year, in particular, to be quite bad for them health-wise.
Why is this?
Well, it most likely has to do with the unusual weather patterns that have defined this year. Spring is arriving much earlier than expected, and that has some serious health implications.
I consulted Michael Collins, a health sciences professor at ASU, for further insight on the matter.
“This year, especially this month, more people are getting sick because of the erratic weather,” Collins said. “When there’s a 30-degree difference in temperature from night to day a lot of people start having things like sinus issues.”
These issues include upper respiratory strain, chest congestion, nasal drip and sinus pressure, according to Collins.
A few weeks ago, I experienced an asthma attack. This is unusual for me since I only have exercise-induced asthma, meaning I really have to exert myself to be affected by asthma attacks. But this time, I woke up one morning and I simply couldn’t breathe.
I consulted my doctor and he said this year is especially bad for asthmatic people, and people who’ve never had breathing problems or who rarely experience these issues are having difficulty breathing.
“The quality of air has to do with increased breathing issues,” Collins said. “Greenhouse gases and dust are definite issues. Especially for students downtown with the construction of the new law school, there’s constant dust in the air. What we breathe in is affecting the way our lungs function.”
“If we had a really good rainstorm, that would help clean and purify the air,” he added. “But the longer we go without rain, the pollen and everything just sits around.”
The bottom line is, don’t be surprised if you fall victim to allergies and sickness this year.
Staying hydrated, taking multivitamins and getting your daily exercise will keep your immune system strong and hopefully make you less susceptible to the common cold.
Take precautions by avoiding dusty areas and ensuring you get plenty of Vitamin C in your diet. There’s really nothing you can do to address the air quality in Arizona, but a humidifier is a great way to make the air you breathe in moist and easier to inhale.
Stay healthy, my friends!
Contact the columnist at wshahid@asu.edu
