I have severe mold spore allergies. Are their states that have lower mold spore counts. Thank you. – submitted by Barry, Maine
General climate info
Online allergy map of U.S. by location for travelers
As an allergy nurse, I used an allergy map to show patients which seasonal allergens are prevalent in various regions in the U.S. I found similar map online that I thought you’d enjoy.
The site has good seasonal climate information which concludes with a smart reminder that “if you spend your summers in the north and travel south for the winter, you may experience symptoms throughout the year if you’re allergic to the allergens found in each place.”
View this climate map at Allergies by Geographical Location. We do not have any relationship, affiliation, or advertising arrangement with Clarinex.
Allergies in August – blend of summer and fall
August brings with it the beginning of fall allergy season. Summer grass and tree pollen blend with the start of Ragweed season around mid August, providing a double dose of allergy symptoms for many.
Melon season is in it’s prime as August approaches. Eating cantaloupe and watermelon can trigger reactions in those allergic to Ragweed. Other foods that have been reported to be cross-reactive with Ragweed include honeydew, chamomile, honey, banana, sunflower seeds, zucchini squash, and cucumber. Add to these potato, melon, tomato, watermelon, orange, cherry, peanut, and kiwi, all of which are cross-reactive with lingering summer grasses, and you have a recipe for August Allergy Mix.
Mold counts rise with humidity of summer as well as the rotting foliage of fall. Seasonal changes usually bring showers, and mold spores propagate readily in the moist atmosphere.
Various trees pollinate at different times year round. In southern states, the Fall Elm, or Cedar Elm, begins dusting the air with pollen in August. This tree is also dubbed Texas Elm because it is so dominant in Texas during the fall allergy season. I am vacationing in Ft. Worth, TX, today, and a local group, Allergy Testing and Treatment Center, reports the following pollen counts:
Fungus [Mold] high at 2046 grains per cubic meter
Ragweed moderate at 46 grains per cubic meter
Elm high at 232 grains per cubic meter
Ragweed is common almost world-wide, but many in other parts of the world are experiencing different allergens in August than those we discussed here. Feel free to share the predominant August allergens in your area in the comments.
Sizzling hot summer: How does it affect your allergies?
On July 7, record-breaking, triple-digit temperatures flourished across the Northeastern states. According to The Vancouver Sun, British Columbia experienced record-high, sizzling heat as well.
The heat wave started in the spring, with reports such as the Richmond-Times Dispatch in its April 8 post that “High temperatures trigger high pollen counts.”
Here in the South-central area, triple-digit heat is not uncommon, though in many areas we seem to be experiencing more of a rainy season than usual this year. Higher temps are much harder to tolerate here, with the high humidity of this area, than a similar temperature in a more dry area such as the Southwestern states.
How does temperature affect allergies in your area? Share your comment in ‘Leave a Reply’ below.
The season of fireworks: How does July 4 celebration affect your allergies?
Across the United States, people remember Independence Day on July 4. Fireworks displays begin to dot our land as soon as darkness lends its backdrop. How does the smoke from these displays affect people with allergies?
According to WebMD, “When a person with asthma or COPD inhales smoke and fumes from any of these products of combustion, their airways will become more inflamed for at least 24 hours after the exposure is over.”
The source of smoke responsible for the allergic response is not limited to July 4 or New Years celebrations. It can be any type of smoke, such as automobile exhaust, a brush fire, or cigarette smokers in your home. Smoke is not an allergen, though. Smoke is an irritant, but the irritation it causes can trigger an allergic response in people with asthma. Smoke can also trigger eye and nasal allergic reactions.
Smoke is not the only culprit. Often these fireworks extravaganzas include a trek through a grassy area, or even watching the entire show from a lawn chair on a grassy hillside. Those with allergy to grass will do best to celebrate away from grassy areas. Stinging insects may inhabit grassy areas as well, and people allergic to their venom should be wary. Mosquito saliva causes severe localized allergic responses and a reaction called “Skeeter’s syndrome” in some people. Mosquitoes also carry infection.
Those with food allergies should be especially careful, since it may not be apparent what foods are in the dish that smells so tempting. Remember, smoke from the grill or hidden spices in the barbecue can trigger allergies too!
Does climate make a difference in the summer fireworks season for you? For example, is the allergic response to smoke less severe in windy or calm climates? Or does it just depend on which way the wind is blowing? Are stinging insects and mosquitoes more prevalent in humid climates? What triggers are you more likely to find in areas where the air is dry? What else factors into the equation of allergy and fireworks for you, as it relates to climate and season?
Share your experiences and responses in the comments.
References
Smoke gets in my eyes and lungs, WebMD
Smoking and Asthma, WebMD
Top ten BEST places for allergies (and worst)
In 1996 and 1997, we posted info about the ten worst US cities for asthma sufferers as released by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Often people ask “Where are the best places?” Sperling’s Best Places, in conjunction with Schering-Plough Corporation, has released it’s study of the ten best and worst places to live with allergies. Thanks to Lewis who provided the link and shared more comments about this here at Allergy Climates.
Topping the list of best places, according to the Sperling study, is Grand Rapids, MI. Louisville, KY, ranks worst. The AAFA study, which ranks Asthma (as opposed to the Sperling study which ranks Allergies) lists Atlanta, GA, as the worst US city to live in.
Sterling also seems to support what we’ve often pointed out here at Allergy Climates, that there is no safe-haven for allergy sufferers. Schering-Plough writes:
“A key finding of this study is that there is no geographic center for allergies…no part of the country is immune to their effects.”
The Sterling study is based on mean pollen and mold spore levels for the years 2002, 2001, 2000, and 1999, while the AAFA does the studies annually. The AAFA study also takes into consideration air pollution. Air pollution and smog, especially ozone, are now believed to play an important role as triggers for asthma and allergy.
Asthma Capitals for 2007 have been named: Atlanta #1
Each year the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America names the Top Ten Asthma Capitals for the year. This year, Atlanta Georgia, took the top spot, with Philadelphia, PA, and Raliegh, NC, second and third.
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation says:
Don’t Move – Improve: Experts agree that people can’t move away from their asthma since every city in America has a variety of risk factors.
Click Asthma Capitals 2007 to see the whether your state ranked among the Top 10 Capitals (mind did!), as well as information about this annual research project, and links to more detailed information.
You can find information and links to last year’s studies as well as previous years on our February 18, 2006 post, Climate and asthma — Worst places to live.
Cedar is on its way!
Much of the U.S. is either well past the first frost of the season, or about enter this doorway that heralds relief from Ragweed symptoms. But as you cross the threshold, beware. Cedar is on it’s way!
Two of the most common Cedars that cause allergies in the U.S., Mountain Cedar and Eastern Redcedar (also called Eastern Red Cedar), are actually Junipers. Cedar/Juniper is the most common winter pollen allergen in the U.S.
Cedar usually pollinates from November through March in the U.S. But in some areas or seasons it can start pollinating as early as October, and it can continue as late as May.
Cedar is quite a loner. Sometimes a person is allergic to multiple trees as well as Cedar. But we often find that a patient will be allergic to most of the trees we test for — except Cedar. Other times we will see a Cedar allergy without allergy to any other tree. Of course, this can happen with other trees too. But it happens most frequently with Cedar.
So if you are one of those who sniffle and sneeze during Cedar season, get ready. Stock up on your allergy medicine and close the all the windows and doors. Because Cedar is coming!
See also from Wikipedia:
Juniperus virginiana (Eastern Redcedar).
Juniperus ashei (Mountain Cedar).
