No place is free from allergies, but there are solutions
Many Americans may not be aware of fall allergies, but spring is not the only time for sufferers to have a runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing and/or congestion from upper respiratory allergies.
By BARB KAMPBELL
The Trucker Staff
11/27/2008
WASHINGTON — For allergy sufferers there’s no escaping to another city or state for relief since there is no place in the United States that is free of pollen and other allergens this fall. According to The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), 36 million Americans suffer from seasonal allergies.
According to a report by AAFA, which through annual research project called Fall Allergy Capitals ranks the fall’s 100 most challenging cities to live for people with seasonal allergies, the top five cities in order are: Greensboro, N.C.; Greenville, S.C.; Little Rock; Raleigh-Durham, N.C.; and Jackson, Miss.
Many Americans may not be aware of fall allergies, but spring is not the only time for sufferers to have a runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing and/or congestion from upper respiratory allergies. In fact, the fall brings new allergy triggers that are not prevalent in the spring, such as ragweed. The Fall Allergy Capitals research also shows that overall pollen concentrations have increased in the top allergy cities. Outdoor allergy triggers can make fall a very difficult time for the more than 35 million Americans who suffer from seasonal allergies.
No matter where a city ranks on the list of Fall Allergy Capitals, it’s important for people to know if their hometown is included.
“Whether a city is ranked number 100 on the Allergy Capitals list or number 1, it’s essential for allergy sufferers to take the appropriate steps to manage their allergies,” said Mike Tringale, director of external affairs at AAFA.
During the fall when outdoor allergy triggers peak, people may continue to suffer from indoor allergies caused by common allergy triggers like pet dander and dust mites. In addition, ragweed and pollen can travel indoors through open windows and doors. Indoor and outdoor allergy triggers can be a significant challenge for people year round.
To help allergy suffers enjoy indoor and outdoor activities this fall; AAFA is directing people to AllergySavvy.com. By visiting the Web site, Americans can learn if their city is an Allergy Capital and get information about allergy symptoms, how to avoid triggers, and how to best treat their symptoms.
Danica Schulte, M.D., of Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, has seen many allergy sufferers head indoors each fall in an attempt to escape their worst allergy triggers.
“Many patients come to me because they’re tired of missing out on outdoor activities they enjoy and I assure them that they don’t have to,” Dr. Schulte said. “There are excellent allergy medicines available to people.”
The Allergy Capitals is an annual research project of AAFA to identify “the 100 most challenging places to live with allergies” in the spring and fall seasons. The top 25 fall allergy capitals for 2008 are:
1. Greensboro, N.C.; 2.Greenville, S.C.; 3. Little Rock; 4. Raleigh-Durham, N.C.; 5. Jackson, Miss.; 6. Knoxville, Tenn.; 7. Grand Rapids, Mich.; 8. Wichita, Kansas; 9. Oklahoma City; 10. Madison, Wis.; 11. Tulsa, Okla.; 12. Chattanooga, Tenn.; 13. Birmingham, Ala.; 14. New Orleans, La.; 15. Harrisburg, Pa.; 16. Augusta, Ga.; 17. Louisville, Ky.; 18. San Antonio; 19. Columbia, S.C.; 20. Charlotte, N.C.; 21. Memphis, Tenn.; 22. Des Moines, Iowa; 23. Scranton, Pa.; 24. St. Louis; and 25. Bridgeport, Conn.
The rankings are based on scientific analysis of three factors for 100 metro areas. The data measured and compared each year includes:
• Pollen scores (airborne grass/tree/weed pollen and mold spores)
• Number of allergy medications used per patient, and
• Number of allergy specialists per patient.
This year’s report indicates that more than 50 percent of the United States’ population lives in one of the 100 Fall Allergy Capital cities. However, Greensboro, N.C. is ranked number one this year due to a higher-than-average pollen score, higher use of allergy medications per person, and lower-than-average access to allergy specialists, compared to other cities on the list.