- The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America identified the cities.
- About 25% of American adults have a seasonal allergy.
If you suffer from pollen-related sneezing, coughing, and watery eyes, you are one of the millions of people in the United States who suffer from seasonal allergies.
About 25% of American adults have a seasonal allergy, according to recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And where you live could affect the severity of your symptoms this season.
A new report released by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) identifies the cities where people suffer the most from spring and fall allergies. Based on data from the country’s 100 most densely populated metropolitan areas, researchers were able to rank the best and worst places to live based on pollen counts, use of over-the-counter allergy medications, and number of certified allergists. The reasoning is that it’s not just about where you are likely to suffer from allergies, but also where you can get proper care.
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“We are experiencing longer and more intense allergy seasons due to climate change. For people with asthma, allergies can trigger an asthma attack,” said Kenneth Mendez, CEO and President of AAFA. “About 3,600 people a year die from asthma, so it’s important to treat and manage asthma and allergy triggers where you live.”
The metropolitan areas that the AAFA considers to be the most difficult for allergy sufferers all have three things in common: they have above-average spring and fall pollen, they have above-average use of allergy medications, they have above-average average and there are fewer tips than average. -certified allergists from the metropolitan area.
Here are the 10 worst places to live in the United States if you suffer from seasonal allergies:
1 0. Greenville, South Carolina
Greenville has below average scores for allergy medication use and average pollen scores and number of allergy specialists.
9. Des Moines, Iowa
Keep pollen exposure low in your home by washing your bedding weekly in hot water and drying clothes indoors.
8. Orlando Florida
When spending time outdoors, cover your hair, remove your shoes before entering, and shower before bed to keep pollen at bay.
7. Cape Coral, Florida
Pets can carry pollen into your home. Wipe down pets before they enter the house, give them regular baths, and keep them out of the room if pollen is a problem.
6. Sarasota, Florida
Air filters and cleaners can help remove pollen from indoor air. Keeping the windows closed also helps.
5. Tulsa, Oklahoma
Nasal rinses help remove pollen from your nose. Nasal sprays help reduce swelling and itching in the nose.
4. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Immunotherapy, such as allergy shots, can make you less sensitive to pollen. It is a long-term treatment that can help prevent allergic reactions.
3. Scranton, Pennsylvania
Pollen allergies can cause your mouth to itch when you eat certain fruits or vegetables. It’s called pollen food allergy syndrome and it happens when your immune system can’t tell the difference between certain pollens and certain foods.
2. Dallas, TX
Talk to your doctor about treatment options. It’s a good idea to begin allergy treatments before pollen season begins.
1. Wichita, Kansas
Wichita, Kansas, was ranked below average in all three categories: pollen count, medication use, and number of allergy specialists.
For up-to-date allergen levels in your area, see our allergy tracker.
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