We’re looking to retire in Mexico (Pacific Coast, Central inlands, but not Mexico City). What is the allergy index like there? — Ted, Washington

[Originally posted to AllergyNursing.com on February 11, 2004]

I grew up on the southwest end of Nebraska where I suffered from seasonal allergies. This is a dry high altitude area. The we relocated to southest Nebraska which is a low altiute wet area where my allergies became worse and I had to take full time meds and use a inhaler. We lived in this area 10 years and there was much more humidity here. Then we relocated to Northwest Arkansas and I have been sick ever since we got here and just keep getting sicker. The mold counts are always high and there is A LOT of pollen and chicken dander. We are planning to move back to Nebraska in the spring and I think I may feel some better there. — Amy, Northwest Arkansas

I moved to Cherry Valley, CA three years ago and have experienced much relief from allergies. It has been 2 years since I have needed to use Prednisone. I’m playing golf three times a week and have no shortness of breath. It’s been a lifesaver! — P.P.O., Cherry Valley, California

[Originally posted to AllergyNursing.com on August 5, 2004]

I live near the Blue Ridge Mountains of S.C. and in the spring time the pollens up here really get to me. Also the humidity makes it hard to breath. When I go down to Mrytle Beach, S.C. the ocean air seems to help a lot even though the humidity factor is higher in the low country. All I can think of is that the fresh salt water air works as a type of purifier, but if you leave the beach and go inland the air is heavy and it is hard to breathe it, even for someone without asthma. — E.C., South Carolina

[Originally posted to AllergyNursing.com on August 5, 2004]

We moved from southern Cailfornia to Iowa. Bad idea. We live between the Illinois and Mississippi rivers. The mold and humidity problems are awful…. I honestly believe I am suffering from toxic mold…. I seem to feel better when I am away from here for several days. — Scott, Illinois

[Note from AllergyNurse: You’ll find Scott’s entire letter describing his situation and symptoms, along with my response, in the question/answer area here. This area is for climate information only. Lengthy comments on toxic mold or other subjects will be deleted. Originally posted to AllergyNursing.com on August 5, 2004]

I am the allergy queen since childhood. Eczema, contact dermatitis, asthma, sinusitis, sneezing, etc. My symptoms were none in NYC as far as all but skin problems. Moving to FL has been horrible for me. I’ve spoken to hundreds of people here who never had allergies until they moved to FL. p.s. I’ve tried everything. — G.B., Florida

[Originally posted to AllergyNursing.com on June 15, 2004]

I am going on a trip to Mexico in august and would like to know if i should be concerned with my allergies. I have slight asthma and food allergies. Please let me know. — Delores, United States

[Originally posted to AllergyNursing.com on June 15, 2004]

I grew up in NE Ohio and had hay fever every Fall.

I moved to Daytona Beach, Florida for college and never had any allergies, except for 2 bouts of exercise-induced asthma.

Nine years later I moved to Savannah, Georgia and never had a problem at all.

Next I took a job in Michigan and have never been so miserable in my life. I lived around several lakes and unless the ground was frozen outside I was completely miserable with severe hay fever. Claritin-D helped but while I was pregnant I could not take it and I wasn’t sure what was worse for the fetus; sneezing convulsively 5 million times a day or taking a pill.

Now we have moved back to NE Ohio, and while the allergies are less severe, I now have allergies through the winter as well. They hit me every evening and I rub my eyes raw. I still take Claritin D but it isn’t that effective. I am going to an allergist next week to see what I am allergic to.

We are planning a move back to Florida next year. I hope that I can escape my severe allergies there as I did before. — C.D.T., Ohio

[Originally posted to AllergyNursing.com on April 13, 2004]