My husband and I are both born and raised in Chicago where he has struggled with allergies/asthma since he was in grade school. There, he used his inhaler daily, plus using decongestant and antihistamine. He was miserable almost year-round, and got more than the usual number of colds (he had colds at least 4x a year).
Here in Vegas, he is a changed man. Does not use his inhaler AT ALL, and does not use antihistamines nor decongestants. He has not had a cold in 2 years here (we’ve now been here 9).
My story seems to be the exact opposite. I had seasonal allergies and non-allergic rhinitis back in Chicago. Here, I have problems breathing year-round. When the wind blows, forget it - I can’t even venture outside or I’ll be in bed for a day or two.
Maybe we’ll try Utah next! — P., Nevada
Illinois (Chicago area): Awful. Lived there as a child, was often miserable.
Northern New Mexico: Moderate symptoms, but a tremendous improvement from Illinois.
Northern Utah: No symptoms whatsoever.
Eastern Washington (Tri-Cities): Bad, too much airborne dust.
Western Washington (Seattle): Light symptoms, dramatic improvement.
Western Oregon (Portland): Awful. Ryegrass season was sheer hell. 80-90% of the world’s ryegrass seed is produced in the Willamette Valley! Brought back long-suppressed bad childhood memories.
Coastal California (Santa Barbara and San Francisco): Very few symptoms.
Best compromise between personal preference in climate and symptoms has been Seattle area; probably anywhere on coast or Puget Sound area would be as good. — DWB, Washington
According to an Associated Press report on ksl.com - Utah’s Online Source for Local News & Information, “this spring may be a bad one for allergy sufferers.” The March 6, 2006, report says that high Elm pollen counts are already being experienced in Utah, and that high Cedar pollen counts are expected.
We are experiencing high Elm pollen counts here in Arkansas as well. But we’re just sliding past our peak Cedar pollen season, which usually begins in December or January and lasts until February or early March in western Arkansas.
According to the ksl.com report, cedar season won’t begin in the Salt Lake City area for a couple more weeks, and will last till the end of April.
The report also discusses grasses and weeds in the Salt Lake City area and what to expect as far as pollen counts and seasons. Read the entire report by clicking here.
i live in salt lake city, utah and my allergies are terrible here. has anybody else have problems in this area? — TJ, Utah
i am considering moving from salt lake city, utah to improve my allergies. I know the salt lake area is horrible for allergy sufferers. the high-mountain desert climate with the thin,dry air is very bad for my sinus and allergy problems.i am looking for an area close to the coast with lower elevation and more humidity. — DD, Utah
