College Health Issues

Conjunctivitis (pink eye) is a condition in which the mucosal membrane that extends over the eyeball and underneath the eyelids becomes inflamed, causing symptoms of redness, irritation, itching and possible discharge.

Constipation is the most common gastrointestinal complaint in the U.S. People who experience constipation have infrequent bowel movements, pass hard stools, or strain during bowel movements. The normal frequency for bowel movements varies widely. In general, you're probably experiencing constipation if you pass fewer than three stools a week and those stools are hard and dry. Fortunately, most cases of elimination are dependent on a balanced diet and exercise.

Contact dermatitis is an inflammation of the surface of the skin caused by exposure either to an irritant or an allergen - something your skin is allergic to - like poison ivy.

The body’s immune system is designed to produce various chemical factors to fight foreign substances, such as bacteria, viruses and other proteins that the immune system perceives as threatening. An allergic response occurs when the body’s immune system over responds, or is hypersensitive to, specific particles known as allergens. Common allergens include plant pollens, molds, dust mites, animal dander, industrial chemicals, foods, medicines and insect venom.
Among the important components of the immune system are the antibodies, which are produced by lymph tissue. A key player in the allergic response is the antibody known as immunoglobulin E (IgE). IgE is overproduced in certain people, usually those with inherited susceptibility. During an allergic attack, these antibodies attach to cells known as mast cells, which are generally concentrated in the lungs, skin and mucous membranes. Once IgE binds to mast cells, these cells are programmed to release a number of chemicals. One of these chemicals, histamine, opens the blood vessels and causes skin redness and swollen membranes. More mucus or tears may be produced than is normal. Histamine causes many of the symptoms associated with allergies. A common seasonal allergy is hay fever.

A headache is not a disease, but it may indicate that something is wrong. Headaches are common and generally are not serious. Approximately 50% to 75% of all teens report having at least one headache per month. However, more frequent headaches can be upsetting and worrisome for you. The most common headaches in your teens and early twenties are tension headaches and migraines. Sometimes these problems may require a visit to your medical provider.

The body's immune system is designed to produce various factors to fight foreign substances, including bacteria and viruses that the immune system perceives as threatening. An allergic response occurs when the body's immune system over-responds, or is hypersensitive to particles known as allergens. Common allergens include plant pollens, molds, dust mites, animal dander, industrial chemicals, food, medicines and insect venom. More than 10% of people get hives. Hives are a common allergic reaction involving the skin.

Symptoms:

• Very itchy rash
• Raised pink lesions with pale centers, ranging in size from ½ inch to several inches wide
• Variable shapes
• Rapid and repeated change in location, size, and shape

The following websites were used as references for the Vandal Health Education Website:

Idaho Health Department
Center’s for Disease Control
Mayo Clinic 
Planned Parenthood
The Naked Truth
UnplannedPregnancy.org
WomensHealth.gov
American College of Obstetrics & Gynecology
PubMed Health 
American College Health Association
National Center for Victims of Crime
RAINN
Go Ask Alice
University of Arizona Health Education
Brown University Health Education
University of Georgia Student Health Center
University of Texas at Austin Counseling & Mental Health Center
Oregon State University Student Health