By Lena LaJoy

Jeffrey Karpelson, a sophomore applied math and economics major, suffers from constant coughing and sneezing in early spring due to an allergy that impacts him and millions worldwide. 

Pollen is a small particle emitted from flowers and other plants for reproduction. It easily floats through the air and clings to objects as it moves. Millions suffer from pollen allergies, and people can have a range of symptoms, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Climate and Health Program. 

Karpelson said his pollen allergy acts up in April when he’s participating in school activities or walking past plants. However, he said his symptoms are not too serious and are more of an annoyance.

“If you’re going about your day or a sport or something and you just happen to sneeze, it’s a minor thing, but it can be a little annoying when going about life, especially because I like to be outdoors,” Karpelson said. 

To combat his symptoms, Karpelson often washes his hands and keeps Kleenexes with him when performing everyday tasks. He also said he cleans his car often to ensure no pollen clings to the vehicle. 

Emily Crisen, program manager for the University of Maryland Allergy Clinic, shared other ways that students on campus can fight against their pollen-related allergy symptoms. 

“Over-the-counter medicine, something like Claritin and Allegra, always are great to use for your allergy season … washing your hands, washing your face,” Crisen said. “If you notice that your allergies are getting worse, I would recommend talking with your doctor.” 

Crisen began working at the allergy clinic in January. She said the clinic has been successful and she already has about 50 clients. 

Last semester, the allergy clinic was not used because there was no one to host it. The impact on students was considerable, and many were turned away. 

“We had to refer almost 100 patients out to different clinics around the area to get allergy injections, so I think it is really important that we have it here on campus,” Crisen said. 

Crisen said she thinks the most important aspect of the allergy clinic is the accessibility for students, and it provides various treatments for students. She said the lack of transportation tends to be a factor that keeps students from receiving treatment.

“The allergy clinic administers allergy injections to undergraduate students under the direction of their allergist or another physician,” according to the University Health Center’s Allergy Clinic website. 

However, Crisen said that while the allergy clinic provides allergy shots, the office does not conduct initial allergy tests. She recommended that students visit their doctors before coming to the health center. 

Many students are unaware that the Health Center offers an allergy clinic. Karpelson said he was unaware of the allergy clinic, but he saw the benefits. 

“Given that it is a free resource provided to students, I think it is definitely something I would tap into if I ever suffered from something serious,” Karpelson said. 

Crisen said that it is easy for students to sign up for treatment and become clients at the allergy clinic. 

“You can go ahead and go to the online portal … and then I can go ahead and review your forms and all the information from your doctor and we can set up allergy injections,” Crisen said. 

Crisen said the allergy clinic had a slow start but is becoming more successful, and she has new clients every day now that spring has begun. 

Featured Image: View of McKeldin Mall and students walking on McKeldin Mall on March 10, 2026. Photo by Kendrick Brown.