I grew up in Long Island, NY & always had allergies. Presently living in Tampa, FL (23 years) & developed asthma 7 years ago. My allergist said this is the worst state in the country to live, as something is always blooming. I am wondering if anyone out there tried New Mexico. I figure the dry air would be helpful. Appreciate any feedback. — Sandra, Florida

I have had similar situations with many of the other people on this website concerning allergies. I grew up in NY and had mild allergies and asthma (mostly exercised induced) when I was younger. I moved back to NY after being gone for almost 8 years. I was diagnosed with sinusitis in the fall of 2004 while I was living in Pennsylvania. After a few months of moving back to NY I began to get sinus infections every two months. Then I was diagnosed with chronic sinusitis.

I have seen numerous ENT doctors who all recommend surgery to remove the polyps from my nose. I would rather not have the surgery. I have been put on all types of allergy medication. After vacationing in a tropical area for an extended period of time, the polyps in my left nose completely disappeared. However, my right nostril is still filled with polyps.

My ENT and Allergist suggested that I leave NY because they believe that my sickness could be tied to my environment and/or they recommend allergy shots. What other areas would be a better place for me to live? Will I just develop new allergies to the new place after a few months? Any suggestions of advice would be appreciated. Thank you. — L.J., New York

I am looking for a location for severe dry sinuses. I have asthma and sinus, total respiratory problems, I can handle any allergy better that dry sinuses. I usaully get this to my detriment in the winter in NYC Not sure if its the dry air and the furnace heat (humidifiers don’t help)…any location Ideas…coastal…northeast?? hot or cold???
thank you — Steve, New York

I’m at my wit’s end…I live in New York’s Hudson Valley, and am uncomfortable all year ’round. My headaches are constant, and some days the inner ears fill up and cause dizziness/vertigo. I’m disgusted with allergists, ENT’s and most doctors in general. when asked what I should do to optimise my health, five different physicians told me, “move” but none have any suggestions as to where one should move to. I have no asthma issues (that I know of) and would just like some tips as to what area would cut down on headaches (acute and chronic) dizziness, and optimise mental clarity. Any ideas? - Paul, New York

From California to Ontario, New York, and Florida, ragweed seems to have made it’s debut early and with a bumper crop this August.

Lansing, Michigan:
Worst summer for allergies in decades
“The pollen count is…the highest it’s been in fifty years…. Ragweed everywhere and no relief in sight.” [WLNS, Lansing]

Los Angeles, California
Bumper crop of ragweed kicks off allergy season
“Summer rains followed by hot, dry temperatures in many areas have produced a bumper crop of ragweed.” [NBC4, Los Angeles]

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania:
Break out of the mold
“A particularly bad year for mold spores and an accelerating ragweed season are giving them itchy eyes and runny noses.” [Pittsburgh Tribune-Review]

Ontario, Canada
Achoo! Ragweed arrives early
“Ragweed has made her a prisoner in her own house…. ‘It was July 30 when it started and it hasn’t stopped.’” [Hamilton Spectator, Ontario Canada]

Washington, DC
Ragweed arrives early in district
“If you’re an allergy sufferer who is feeling a little off this morning in that allergy-related kind of way, you can thank ragweed season for arriving two weeks early.” [DCist, Washington, DC]

Little Rock, Arkansas
Heat, humidity fueling hay fever
“Doctors say an increase in pollen, ragweed, and mold is creating more cases of hay fever.” [Today’s THV, Little Rock, Arkansas]

Tampa Bay/St. Petersburg, Florida
Ragweed season starting up for allergy sufferers
“Ragweed season is upon us…. And this year, people may suffer more than ever.” [WTSB, Tampa/St. Petersburg, Florida]

New York City, NY
Ways to cope with a brutal allergy season
“Allergy sufferers, the early predictions are in and get ready for an especially brutal fall season.” [WABC-TV, New York]

If you are like I am, a chronic suffer of sinusitus, then Albany, New York, is one of last places on earth you should consider as a place to live. Don’t get me wrong, I love everything else about this place, after living here for 20 years. However, I have been literally devestated, overwhelmed and unanchored, by the effect allergies have had and continue to have on my life. I have had major and minor sinus surgery, am now resistant to a list of antibiotics.

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I came from Russia. There I had asthma and allergy attacs only seasonal. In USA I lived in Denver,Co,IN North Carolina, in NYC. Everywere I had the worst experience whith my asthma and allergy. I think that the best solution for mi is to come back home to Russia. - Liobov, Russia

I’ve lived in Miami, upstate New York, the Bay Area in California (San Francisco etc) San Diego, San Luis Obispo & now in Albuquerque, New Mexico & New Mexico has proved the worst for allergies, in my case. — Molly, New Mexico

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]