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The Top 10 Allergy Prone Cities in the US


2010
09.07

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If you think that all the wheezing, coughing and watery-eyed symptoms that you are experiencing is entirely due to your being ‘genetically prone to allergies’, think again. The culprit might be the city where you are living. So what is it about a particular place which makes it more allergy-prone than others? Basically, it is factors like high pollen content, mold counts and the level of pollution which triggers the allergy attack in an individual.

The ABC’s of Allergies: What You Need to Know about Allergy Attacks?

Before letting you know about the top allergy-prone cities in the United States, let us first take at the basic facts about allergies. First, why do you get them? Experts believe that allergies tend to be inherited from one’s parents. As your body gets exposed to allergens, its defense gets weakened which in turn triggers an allergic reaction.These allergens can intrude on your body through your nose, mouth and lungs.

Second, what exactly are the elements which are considered to be allergens? This includes:

• Airborne grass, tree, weed, pollen
• Dust mites
• Mold spores
• Pollen
• Pet dander

Remember that even if you are born with allergic tendencies, you are not automatically prone to having an allergic reaction. As in the case of pet dander, it may take several years for you to be sensitive to a specific allergen. Aside from inheriting allergic-prone genes from your parents, your allergic reaction will also get triggered if you are usually around pesky allergens, and when your body comes in contact with allergens your immune system tells you to stay away from. Finally, what are the symptoms of an allergic reaction? Sneezing, having a stuffed nose, coughing, itchy throat, watery eyes, and having dark circles under the eyes from sinus pressure are just some of the symptoms that you should watch out for.

A Look at the Top 10 Allergy-Prone Cities in the United States

As mentioned earlier, your allergic reactions will definitely get triggered if you live in a place where allergens are usually around. So which places in the United States are considered to be the most allergy-prone cities? Take a look at the following list:

1. City: Lexington, Kentucky

Worst Season: Spring
Top Allergens: Pollens

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America or AAFA, Lexington has a worse than average pollen score at 100. It means that there’s a daily average of 300 grains per cubic meter of pollen which pollutes the air on a daily basis if you live in this city. Kentucky also has a worse than average medicine utilization factor, as well as board certified allergists per patient. From a rank of 52 in 2007, the ranking of Lexington as the allergy capital of the nation is ranked by the AAFA has jumped to number one in 2008.

2. City: Little Rock, Arkansas

Worst Season: Fall
Top Allergens: Weeds, pollen, mold spores

Last year, the AAFA ranked Little Rock, Arkansas to be the 9th most allergy-prone city in the country. What makes the city of Little Rock especially prone to triggering allergies in people is the weeds pollen. However, the main culprit seems to be its mold level, which is higher than average as compared to other cities. Molds actually grow on rotting logs, grasses and compost piles – but the worse thing is that they spread when their spores become airborne.

3. City: Greensboro, North Carolina

Worst Season: Fall
Top Allergens: Grass, tree and weed pollens

According to the AAFA, the city of Greensboro in North Carolina is the most miserable city for fall allergies. As the name of the city implies, there are a lot of ‘greens’ that you need to deal with if you live in Greensboro, North Carolina and all that lush color will trigger allergy attacks. Watch out for ragweed, weed, and grass pollens during the fall. This is especially an allergic-reaction trigger because the city has more than 170 parks which produce enough ragweed – enough to make the typical allergy-sufferer miserable.

4. City: Greenville, South Carolina

Worst Season: Fall
Top Allergens: Grass, tree and weed pollens

Much like Greensboro, Greensville in South Carolina is not as good a city to live in for those who are prone to allergy attacks. Fall is the worst season of all because the city is a lush landscape of greenery at this time of the year. The things which make the city a haven for nature lovers may just be the bane of allergy-sufferers, especially those who are dealing with asthma attacks as a kid.

5. City: Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina

Worst Season: Spring
Top Allergens: Weeds or weed pollens

Based from the AAFA data, the city of Raleigh-Durham has an average pollen count – which makes it easy to conclude that there is one other culprit which serves as the city’s worst allergen: weeds. Raleigh-Durham has plenty of weak leaf, yellow nut sedge and yellow Indian grass which grow abundantly – so when spring season comes, you need to take into account this fact if you would not like to suffer from allergy attacks.

6. City: Jackson, Mississippi

Worst Season: Fall
Top Allergens: Grass, weed

If you have allergic reactions to grass, weed and pollen, remember that they usually circulate at around 10 in the morning to 12 noon. Experts recommend staying indoors during these hours to minimize your allergic reaction – no matter where you live. However, if you are from Jackson, Mississippi – this is actually not a haven for allergy-sufferers, especially those who have a bad reaction to Bermuda Grass and ragweed. The city is rich in these two allergens. So if you are suffering from allergic reactions, the best way to counteract this is by staying away from the outdoors during the time of the day when such allergens are airborne.

7. City: Grand Rapids, Michigan

Worst Season: Fall
Top Allergens: Weed or weed pollens

Yet another city which is not really a good place to be during the fall season is Grand Rapids in Michigan. Ragweed, plantains and nettle are the worst allergens – especially during the autumn season. If you would like to fight off a possible allergic reaction and you really need to be outdoors, make sure to take a quick shower and change your clothes after enjoying a day outdoors.

8. City: Knoxville, Tennessee

Worst Season: Spring
Top Allergens: Mold spores, weeds and grass pollens

Knoxville, Tennessee was ranked as the 6th worst city to be for those who are prone to allergies – especially during the spring season [Spring allergies]. Despite having an average pollen count, they do have a worse than average medicine utilization for allergens. What makes Knoxville a particularly bad city to live in for those who are suffering from allergic reactions is the presence of garden sorrel and a grass called redtop.

9. City: Wichita, Kansas

Worst Season: Fall
Top Allergens: Mold spores, weed or weed pollens

You may want to say that you’re not in Kansas anymore if you live in the city of Wichita and you have allergic reactions. Ragweed and chenopods are the culprit elements and during the fall, weeds and molds provide plenty of airborne allergens for an allergic-prone Kansas resident to be particularly unhappy.

10. City: Madison, Wisconsin

Worst Season: Fall
Top Allergens: Weeds or weed pollens

There are plenty of allergens to travel around when you live in Madison, Wisconsin. Amaranth, pigweed, tumbleweed and the occasional mold are the items which trigger allergic reactions to individuals. If you live in these allergy-prone cities and you don’t see yourself moving in the near future, then you should always consult your doctor about how you can stay away from allergens when walking outdoors so that you can enjoy either the fall or the spring season without having to cough, sneeze or wheeze your way through it.

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Allergies – Nasal


2010
08.31

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Nasal allergies are caused by pollen, dust and dander in the air that people breathe. These allergens present problems in the form of coughing, sneezing watery eyes and runny nose and in most cases causes those affected to feel miserable. The symptoms are much like a common cold and are hard to distinguish between the two.

The body responds to these allergens through the immune system. The immune system produces antibodies to fight off the allergy, but for a person who is allergic to the allergens, the effect is more severe. Those who are not allergic, can tolerate the allergens. Many times older people will develop allergies due to their weakened immune system.

Certain seasons of the year present allergy symptoms, such as February through July, when tree pollen is high; April through July, grass pollens are high; August through October, ragweed and other weed pollens are high. Thus, spring through fall is the time allergy sufferers are bothered by the different pollens in the air.

All this depends on what region of the country you live in, as plants pollinate differently, according to their geographic locations. Also, allergies could be worse some seasons of the year than others, which means you are allergic to certain pollutants and not all of them. Your physician will test you to find out what you are allergic to and by knowing this, you will be able to avoid the pollutants that bother you.

Ragweed pollen is one of the worst, as it is so easily spread through the air by the wind carrying it for many, many miles. So even though you try to protect yourself by not having plants too close around you, the ragweed pollen can be transmitted to you through the wind.

Mold is another irritant for allergy sufferers. There are thousands of types of mold and yeast and they can be found indoors or outdoors. Outdoors molds grow in compost piles, rotting logs and fallen leaves. Thus, in the fall when you are raking leaves, your exposure to mold is high. Indoor mold grows in damp basements, refrigerators, houseplants, mattresses and furniture. Mold spores are found everywhere, so allergies to mold sometimes outnumber pollen allergies.

Allergies to pet dander are also a common problem. Being around dogs and cats can cause individuals to sneeze and cough for hours.

If you have nasal allergies during the winter, it could be that you are allergic to dust mites, as they live in carpets and upholstered furniture. They are microscopic organisms, not seen by the human eye, but they can survive all winter inside a house, so anyone who is allergic to dust mites would have allergy problems during the winter time.

It is important to have your doctor advise you on what things you should avoid to try and prevent an allergy attack and, also, prescribe the best treatment in the form of relieving symptoms of nasal allergies.

There are many medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, to relieve the symptoms of nasal allergies. The past few years, saline solution nasal washes have been found to be effective in treating the symptoms of allergies. It is a gentle nasal wash that brings fast acting relief for coughing, sneezing, runny nose and watery eyes. It is drug-free and can be purchased over-the-counter at drug stores.

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Dog Allergy Symptoms


2010
08.21

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From personal experience as a dog with allergies, I have several suggestions for training humans to become better dog mentors. Dog allergies can include skin allergies, dog food allergies (particularly corn and soy), house dust mites and ragweed. Many people don’t suspect food allergies as the cause of their dog’s itching because their pet has been fed the same food all its life and has just recently started having symptoms.

Symptoms of Fatty Acid Deficiency:

Coarse dry hair. Skin lesions. Skin ulcers.

Symptoms of Protein deficiency:

Depressed food intake Weight loss. Muscular wasting Rough and dull coat.

Symptoms of allergic reactions to dogs include sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, coughing, wheezing and difficulty breathing.

Symptoms include:

Weakness, Loss of energy, Lack of appetite, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Rapid heart rate, Rapid breathing, Dark urine, Pale or yellow gums.

Symptoms can appear at any age, whether a pet has just started a new diet or has been eating the same food for several years.

Any health care suggestions located here are NOT to replace a veterinarian visit; please take your dog to a vet immediately at any sign of odd behavior or any symptoms of illness or injury. Dog owners may not want to part with their pets, despite the symptoms they endure. Short of getting rid of the dog, here are some ways to decrease dog allergen exposure for dog owners:

Ensure the dog is neutered. Bathing the dog at least once or twice a week. Wiping your dog with a wet cloth or hand towel daily. Remove the dog from the bedroom and close the bedroom door.

Keep the dog outside or in the garage, or in a part of the home with an uncarpeted floor.

Vacuum frequently with a HEPA-equipped vacuum cleaner. Purchase a HEPA room air cleaner for use in the bedroom and/or other parts of the home (it is best to keep the HEPA filter off of the floor so as to not stir up more dust).

Follow house dust mite avoidance precautions. If the above measures do not help to reduce allergic symptoms, getting rid of the pet dogs may be needed, particularly for people with uncontrolled asthma.

Generally speaking, poodles shed less hair and dander, and therefore cause fewer allergy symptoms. The fact that these small dogs are frequently bathed may be one reason why people with dog allergies have few symptoms with owning this breed. A number of medications can also help relieve the symptoms of allergies.

The allergens become airborne as microscopic particles which, when inhaled into the nose or lungs, can produce allergic symptoms. It is worth mentioning that the same source may be worsening your own allergy symptoms, so taking care of it would make life easier for both you and your pet.

Dogs can cause allergic reactions in people with allergies specific to dogs and in people with allergic asthma, a condition in which asthma symptoms are triggered by an allergic reaction.

In order to overcome these frustrating symptoms your approach needs to be thorough and systematic. Allergies have also been implicated as a possible cause of Acral Lick Granulomas, a frustrating, treatment resistant condition whereby the dog creates a sore on his skin from constant licking

DIAGNOSIS:

If a dog has the above symptoms and responds well to the treatment measures outlined below, no further diagnostic tests may be needed.

TREATMENT OPTIONS

Symptomatic Therapy Treating the dog’s symptoms may include;

Cool baths with or without colloidal oatmeal, Epsom salts, or medicated shampoos. Many people don’t suspect food allergies as the cause of their dog’s itching because their pet has been fed the same food all its life and has just recently started having symptoms.

If the symptoms improve during the trial diet, go back to the original food for several days. How can a person reduce allergic symptoms to a pet. By keeping the animals out of the bedrooms at all times, we can greatly reduce the symptoms of pet allergies.

Owners of Bichons showing suspicious symptoms should seek immediate veterinary care as these diseases can strike with little or no warning and kill very quickly.

Dog allergies may produce symptoms such as itchy, watery eyes, stuffy nose, coughing, sneezing, skin rash, swelling, and breathing problems. Dog allergies may be the result of seasonal conditions, environmental factors or symptoms of food allergies.

Dog allergies are very similar to human allergies and also produce the same symptoms as human allergies.

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Fall Allergies Are Here


2010
08.16

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Well the leaves have turned and even though many parts of the country are still enjoying unseasonably warm weather, make no mistake fall is here and with it fall allergy season. Though many people consider spring to be the worst time of the year for those who have fall allergies, especially ragweed allergies fall can be a tiring time of year.

Ragweed allergies generally run from late summer until frost begins. The trouble with ragweed is that ragweed spores are very light, can travel great distances and are spread easily by the wind. Ragweed is found mostly in the mid-west and east coast and generally the wetter and windier the weather the worse the conditions will be for ragweed sufferers. Ragweed is not the only problem for people with allergies in the fall.

In many ways fall is the opposite of spring. Where spring brings about life as flowers bloom, in fall vegetation begins to die and rot. When combined with the damp and windy environment that fall brings, the conditions can be ideal for mold growth. Mold spores in the fall often can lead to a trip to the emergency room for those who suffer from asthma. Fall can also be the prime time for food allergies as kids have gone back to school and many for the first time may be exposed to food allergies that they are not aware that they had.

Though fall is short its important to know your triggers and avoid them as much as possible. Eliminating allergens all together may not be a realistic goal but making good decisions can help reduce your exposure. If your allergies are severe try and change clothes after you come in from that beautiful fall walk in the park. You should not have to stay indoors and miss all that fall has to offer.

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Variety Of Medications Offer Allergy Relief


2010
07.08

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There are currently a variety of allergy treatment medications available to help alleviate the misery allergies can bring. The coughing, sneezing, runny eyes and itchy nose associated with allergies can make life hard to deal with.

Allergy relief can come in the form of allergy shots, prescription medications or over-the-counter treatments. Your doctor can suggest the treatment that will be best for your individual condition.

One form of allergy relief comes in the form of a series of allergy shots. In order to receive allergy shots, your doctor will take tests to determine which allergens you are allergic to. An allergen is basically a substance, such as pollen, ragweed or cat dander, that produces an allergic reaction. The shots you will be given will contain a small amount of this allergen.

The idea is that if the body is exposed to a small bit of this allergen over an extended period of time, the body will begin to produce an antibody for the allergen. After a period of six months, you should start to see some relief from your allergies.

Before you start allergy shots, however, talk to your doctor about your entire medical history. Certain health conditions you have or medicines you take may prevent you from being a candidate for allergy shots.

Allergy relief is also available in the form of both over-the-counter and prescription allergy medications. Most allergy medicines will contain one of two different classes of ingredients. One of these ingredients is a class of drugs called antihistamines.

Antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine, help to stop the chemical reaction in your body that result in an allergic reaction. Decongestants, such as pseudoephidrine, on the other hand, will help to relieve nasal and sinus congestion caused by allergies. Allergy medicines may also contain ingredients to help thin mucus, lower fever or ease aches and pains if you experience these symptoms also.

If you choose to see your doctor for you allergies, he might order a prescription allergy medicine for you. Prescription allergy medications are available in tablets, capsules, liquids and even eye drops. Non-sedating antihistamines are available only by prescription.

Generally prescription allergy medications are longer acting than those you can get without a prescription. These treatments also don’t impair learning abilities. This is especially important for children who suffer with allergies.

There are also a variety of allergy treatments available over-the-counter if you want to treat your allergies on your own. You can purchase these medicines without a doctor’s prescription; however, you might want to consult with your pharmacist about your particular symptoms to be sure you are choosing the best one for you.

Many forms of allergy relief that once required a doctor’s order, such as Claritin and Nasalcrom, are now available without a prescription. While these two medicines generally don’t cause drowsiness, most other over-the-counter antihistamines, such as Benadryl, will possibly make you sleepy. If you do decide to take these medicines, pay attention to the effect they have on you. You might not want to drive if you notice yourself becoming very sleepy.

Whatever extent your allergies bring misery there is allergy relief available. See your doctor to find out if your case could be helped with allergy shots or if your best bet is prescription or even over-the-counter treatments.

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Allergy Medication And Other Treatment Options


2010
06.30

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Being dependent on allergy medication can be difficult for anyone, as it would be great to just wake up without sneezing, itching and watery eyes, and general all around misery. It would probably also be nice to be able to go outdoors or smell some flowers without the same symptoms! But in truth we are very fortunate to live in a world where we have access to allergy medication so that we don’t need to suffer these symptoms, but of course some other treatment options are advisable as well.

Remember how allergy medication works when choosing your treatment method. Allergies are a sign that you immune system is not working properly; when you come into contact with something that you’re allergic to, your body responds the same way it does when fighting off an illness or germs. The immune system goes into overdrive and sends out what is called histamines, which react to the irritant. Antihistamines then stop this process and block these histamines so you don’t have this reaction. An allergy medication then stops your body from the reaction that causes your sensitivity to an allergy; it doesn’t cause your body to not be allergic anymore.

Most allergy medication is harmless and the process it creates is actually much healthier than suffering through allergy symptoms. Those histamines, since they are reacting to something that is not really a danger, become the irritant to a patient. Decongestants are different; long-term use can actually make symptoms worse and should not be used for chronic allergies. Some allergy medication is available as shots, and these usually help your body to adjust to its own reactions to allergies so that you no longer have the symptoms.

There are other options for those who don’t want to use just allergy medication. Usually treating your symptoms can be done with natural options. If you have skin allergies, warm baths and showers can help to ease your symptoms. Natural skin creams with oils such as aloe, sunflower oil, grape seed oil, and other organic ingredients can work better than harsh chemicals in most skin lotions. Aloe Vera will help rejuvenate and tone skin all over. Aloe Vera is a naturally cooling gel and the botanical ingredients work together to stimulate the blood circulation and naturally soften the skin.

For allergies of outdoor things such as pollen and ragweed, insulating the home with double-paned windows can help to keep these elements out of the house. Gargling with warm salt water can help to ease a closed throat. Vitamin C is nature’s protective nutrient, essential for defending the body against pollution and infection and enhances the bodies’ immune system. Beta Carotene protects the mucus membranes of the mouth, nose, throat and lungs. It also helps protect Vitamin C from oxidation, which enables it to perform at optimum efficiency.

Of course, if you’ve been prescribed allergy medication or have severe allergies, it’s imperative that you take your meds and call emergency services if you have an allergy attack that keeps you from breathing. Allergies are very serious and can lead to anaphylactic shock and death, so it’s important that you pay attention to any and all symptoms of a severe allergic reaction.

Always consult your doctor before using this information.

This Article is nutritional in nature and is not to be construed as medical advice.

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