Would your allergies be better in a different climate? Read others' experiences and share your own.
What is the worst and best cities to live in for a child who has severe asthma? – submitted by Katelyn in Canada
Note from Lois (AllergyNurse): Katelyn, last month I published a report on the AAFA Fall Allergy Capitals for 2011, along with a link to our writeup of the Spring 2011 Asthma Capitals. In the Spring Asthma Capital report, I also talked about best places for asthma.
Hope this helps. Perhaps our readers will have further ideas to share.
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) released it’s “Fall Allergy Capitals” this month. Topping the list is Knoxville, TN, followed by Dayton, OH, McAllen, TX, Jackson, MS, and Oklahoma City, OK. AAFA does extensive research each year to provide this information on an annual basis.
Each Spring, AAFA also publishes their “Asthma Capitals” list. We did a full writeup of their 2011 Spring Allergy report soon after the report was released.This year, Richmond, VA tops the list. See the AAFA complete report listing the top ten Asthma Capitals linked below.
AAFA says, “There is no place safe from allergies in America, and some cities are more problematic than others.” Our goal here at Allergy Climates is to provide a place where people in the US and around the world can share which areas are least/most problematic for them.
Portland, Oregon ranks #100 on both lists this year for 2011, topping the year for the “better than average” place to live with allergies/asthma. What is your experience with allergy and asthma in Portland?
What are common allergies for this time of year? My husband and I have been sneezing last few days. – submitted by Margaret, Sedona, AZ
Note from Lois (AllergyNurse): Ragweed, of course, tops the list as the #1 fall allegren worldwide. Mold from rotting leaves and hay, along with grass pollen still haning on from summer in some areas, stir the mix. Fall adds a special punch of tree pollen to the potpourri, and certain foods trigger fall allergies (see my August 6, 2010, post).
Besides ragweed, what is the most prominent fall allergen in your area right now?
Lois
I have asthma that reacts only to cold and chest colds and very bad mold allergies. I was in the house all winter, sick most of the time, couldn’t even attend family activities, and had a deadly case of cabin fever. I know all cities have their pros and cons, but could their be a drier, warmer location for me in winter? I would like to be able go out every now and then. Another possibility for me is to elongate my spring or fall, so if I could travel to a city during its non-mold period; that would be great. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Right now, I feel like I am active only in July and August. – submitted by Sue, Brooklyn, NY
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.
