How much mold or mildew is there in Prescott AZ? – submitted by Bev in WA
Washington [WA]
Best and worst places for asthma and allergy in 2011 – hats off, Portland!
Asthma report for 2011
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) recently published its “Asthma Capitals” report for 2011. Each year AAFA researches, compiles, analyzes, and compares data from its own surveys as well as numerous U.S Government and other qualified agencies, and provides reports for the challenges allergy and asthma sufferers face in areas across the U.S. AAFA weighs a number of factors in their rankings. For more about AAFA and their work and reports, see references below.
Worst places for asthma and allergy
Richmond, VA, tops the AAFA 2011 list as the most challenging place to live with asthma, followed by Knoxville, TN, in second place, and Memphis, TN, in third. With four Tennessee cities in the top ten list, it seems perhaps Tennessee wins the trophy for most challenging State Asthma Capital in 2011. However, this latter conclusion is merely speculation on my part, and not part of the AAFA report.
For fall allergies, Dayton, OH, took first place (for worst) in AAFA’s “Fall Allergy Capitals,” 2010, followed by Wichita, KS, in second, and Louisville, KY placing third.
Best places for asthma and allergy
I’m often asked about best places for asthma and allergy sufferers. The AAFA compares the 100 largest U.S. cities for their report, with the areas at the bottom of the list being “better than average” areas for those with asthma. This puts the 100th ranked Portland, OR, area in first place for better areas for those with asthma, 99th ranked San Francisco, CA, area in second, and 98th ranked Colorado Springs, CO, area in third for 2011.
In the AAFA “Fall Allergy Capitals,” 2010, Portland, OR, also took the 100th spot, followed by Seattle, WA, in 99th, and San Diego, CA, in 98th. Hats off to Portland!
It’s important to remember that many factors go into determining which area is best for you. Your allergies may be completely different from those of others who report problems or relief in a specific area. Keep in mind also that moving away from one area’s allergens can lead to development of new allergies to prevalent allergens where you move.
Investigate info from AAFA’s “Asthma Capitals,” as well as their fall and spring “Allergy Capitals” reports, including prevalence, risk, and medical factors for cities nearest areas which you are considering for possible relocation. Search others’ experiences here at “Allergy Climates and Seasons,” repeat visits to areas you are interested in during each season of the year, and stay as long as possible with each visit to areas where you might potentially want to live. Before you make the move, talk with people in the area about common allergies, and ask if there other environmental or health-related concerns in that area which you may not have considered.
References
- Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA).
- Asthma Capitals.
- Allergy Capitals.
We appreciate the extensive research, data gathering, and compilation provided by AAFA. Their efforts to promote quality air enriches life for all of us. We have referenced their reports several times through the years in an effort to provide current information for allergy sufferers.
Allergies in IN,TN and AL: midwest or PA better?
My son and I lived in Indiana most of our lives. Normal seasonal allergies. Nothing major (our bodies adapted to the pollens well since we lived there for such a long time). In 06 we moved to Tennessee and my allergies became terrible. Had to use an inhaler. My son had to go on allergy medicine for the first time. His sinuses became clogged constantly. We moved to Alabama this May (09). It has been a living nightmare. I have had pneumonia twice. My son lost his singing voice and had to go to an allergist. I am unemployed and no insurance. I take the allergy medicine that didn’t work for him. We are considering Seattle, Washington or back to the midwest like Kansas City or Pennsylvania. Seattle is out top pick for many reasons. I don’t want to move across the country and find we are in a nightmare. So far I have seen only one posting that someone couldn’t live there. Other than that, it seems favorable. I will take all of the feedback I can get. I’m a single Mom and a move this large for nothing could be catastrophic for to us. Thanks so much! – Submitted by Michelle in Alabama
Allergy free in Seattle, WA — allergies increased in Northern VA
I have lived in Seattle, WA for seven years and had no allergies. I Moved to Northern Virginia four years age and my allergy symptoms have gone up each year. I am on medication 24/7. I have always wanted to move to California because of the great weather. Will my allegies get better in California? If yes, please suggest an area. — Anuradha, Virginia
Allergy in SF Bay and Austin TX
I lived in SF Bay Area and suffered seasonal allergy. Medication helped, but I was quite dependent on it. I then moved to Austin, Texas. And I’ve been living in hell since. I suffer year long severe allergy (the usual spring/fall allergy, plus winter – summer doesn’t count since you can’t really go out in 100+ anyway).
I’m considering moving out of the area. Although almost anywhere is better than Austin, I wonder if there’s a better place for me. I’m allergic to pretty much everything, but worst with “Bermuda Grass, English Rye, Mountain Cedar, and Chinese Juniper”.
By the way, my current top places to move are San Diego (CA), Seattle (WA), and Portland/Vancouver (WA). Appreciate any input. — Max, California
Offshore breeze always helps
I have had asthma/allergies since an infant. I have lived in Oak Harbor & Tacoma Washington; Tucson Az; Va Beach, Va; and now SD, Ca. Living where there is an offshore breeze always helps to keep the air clean & easier to breathe. We now have no carpeting, and a air cleaner in each rm; perhaps this makes a big difference as well. — MT, San Diego
Los Angeles, Seattle, Portland, Denver, Hawaii
I’m from Los Angeles, and I had minor asthma there, I moved to Seattle and began serious sinus problems, I’m now in Portland, Oregon and I have life threatening asthma as well as very frequent and painful sinus problems. My doc agreed Portland is the worst place for my allergies esp. to grasses. I’m considering Denver, Co I heard there are no dust mite allergies is this true? My doc also recommended Hawaii, any advice on Hawaii for pollen and allergies? Or any other best cities in the US? — Rebecca, California
Illinois and Western U.S.
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
