Seasonal allergies are not just about springtime. In
fact, there are many cities across the country that are more severe for
allergy sufferers in the fall than in
the spring, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America
(AAFA). For the first time, AAFA has developed a list of the top 50 Allergy
Capitals™- the worst cities for fall allergies.
Explore
the Fall Allergy Capitals™ map
Check
out the list of the top 50 Fall Allergy Capitals™
The Fall Allergy Capitals™ were identified and ranked based on the following factors:
- Average recorded fall pollen levels over the last 7 years
- Length of the peak fall season for the most offensive pollen types
- Number of antihistamine prescriptions written per capita in the last year
- Number of board certified allergists per capita
Each factor was weighted, in consultation with medical and research experts, to reflect its relative importance as an indicator of allergy severity. The weighted factors were then tallied to assign a total score that determined ranking as an Allergy Capital™.
The most severe fall allergen is weed pollen. Billions of weed pollen particles can travel by wind during the fall season from August to October. In fact, ragweed can generate a billion grains of pollen each season.
If you suffer from airborne allergens, like weed pollen, and live in a Fall Allergy Capital™ there are steps you can take to prevent allergy symptoms and to treat them when necessary.
> Step
#1: Check your city’s Allergy
Forecast
> Step #2: Create your own Allergy Action Plan
> Step #3: Learn how to Prevent Allergies at Work, School and Home
> Step #4: Consider your Treatment Options
Sometimes prevention is not enough to control your allergy symptoms and you may need to treat allergy symptoms with allergy medicine. This is the first year that allergy sufferers have the option of non-drowsy, 24-hour allergy relief medication without a prescription, such as Alavert™ and Claritin®. If your symptoms persist, talk to your doctor.
Whether or not you live in a Fall Allergy Capital™, knowing your local allergy forecast can help you keep your allergy symptoms under control as you head back to work and school this fall.
