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Spring

Fall Allergy Capitals, Portland better than average 2011

Oct 30th, 2011
by AllergyNurse.
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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?

AAFA Asthma Capitals (Spring)
AAFA Fall Allergy Capitals

Reactive airway disease, need dry warm winter

Jun 19th, 2011
by AllergyNurse.
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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

Online allergy map of U.S. by location for travelers

Sep 23rd, 2010
by AllergyNurse.
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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.

South Africa battles tree pollens

Sep 9th, 2006
by AllergyNurse.
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Ragweed may be tickling noses in much of the world, but August to mid-October is Springtime in South Africa. Tree pollen is the culprit for many of the sneezes and sniffles in this subtropical climate.

According to South Africa’s Health24, pollens that cause allergies in South Africa this time of year are Grey Alder, White Elm, Olive, London Plane, Willow and Cottonwood.

You can read more about the weather and climate of South Africa here.

Spring cleaning: Help with indoor allergens

May 25th, 2006
by AllergyNurse.
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Spring is the season when we throw back the curtain of winter and welcome a bright new start. Not only do we feel the urge to dig and plant outside; we want to dig out from clutter winter has imposed upon us inside too. As we freshen our homes, let’s also remember to clear out indoor allergens that have accumulated over winter.

If anyone should know how to do that, it is Katie Weaver. Katie grew up with allergies. Katie writes:

I am so glad that Americans are thinking of ways to make homes and living environments healthier. After all, when my dad worked to make our home more allergy-friendly, it drastically reduced my allergic symptoms. There are lots of simple solutions to make a healthier home, and should you want or need to hire outside service companies for cleaning or remediation, be sure that they are reputable and doing their job in the healthiest way possible.

Katie’s father used the things he had learned while helping Katie to start his own company that helps others with allergies. In 1991, when I first got into the allergy nursing field, National Allergy was in it’s infancy. But I learned from them. I’d often hold one of their patient education flyers in one hand and the phone receiver in the other as I helped a patient with allergy symptoms. A few years ago, National Allergy became one of our sponsors here at AllergyNursing.com. Today I still go to their website to look up info to help patients. I’ve learned that I can trust them to recommend only the best products and services. With all the scams and price gougers out there, that means a lot to me!

So for those who could use a little help with Spring allergy cleaning, I’m proud to recommend editor Katie Weaver’s May 2006 issue of National Allergy e-mail newsletter: Home Service Companies – Avoiding Scams and Getting the Most for Your Money.

The sneezin’ season: How to do a sneeze in your climate!

May 18th, 2006
by AllergyNurse.
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Allergy sufferers in all climates have a common sound in the Spring. Spring is often dubbed the “Sneezin’ Season.”

People are so used to the sound of a sneeze that even the loudest “Achooooo!” rarely gets much attention. How long has it been since you saw heads turn to see who sneezed behind them during a formal lecture? But try singing or whistling ever so softly during the lecture and see what happens! So, since the sneeze is so acceptable, how should you do it?

If you thought stiffling the sneeze to lessen attention and the spread of germs is the way to go, think again. Baylor University published an item this week that praises the lowly sneeze and explains the proper technique! See:
Allergy Sufferers Should Bless Sneezing

According to the Baylor article, “The person doing the sneezing, more often than the amount or kind of irritant, determines if the sneeze comes out as a gale-force windstorm or several small ach-oos.” Click the link above to discover the best way to do it and the dangers of doing it wrong!

Spring cleaning: Too clean or not too clean? That is the question.

May 1st, 2006
by AllergyNurse.
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Traditionally, it has been felt that the cleaner, the better. For example, see:
Spring cleaning can help keep allergies in check.

Now there is new research. See:
Allergy Alert: Too clean is not good
and:
To head off allergies, expose your kids to pets and dirt early. Really.

But most still agree that if your child has asthma and allergies already, you need to limit their exposure to the things they are allergic to. At our clinic, we still recommend making the bedroom an ‘allergy-free zone’ for those with environmental allergies.

This item, provided by one of our AllergyNursing.com sponsors, shows how to do that step-by-step:
Interactive Allergy-Proof Bedroom

Surviving spring allergies

Mar 29th, 2006
by AllergyNurse.
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My friend in Australia goes camping at Christmas and sits by the fireplace in June. She’s preparing for fall now. But for much of the globe Spring has arrived, complete with lovely blooms, furious storms, and allergies.

The American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology offers a number of tips to make life easier for those with pollen and mold allergies. Here are some ideas:

  • Avoid outdoor activities in the morning if possible. Pollen counts are higher in the mornings.
  • Keep doors and windows of your home and vehicle closed to keep pollen and mold spores outside.
  • After outside activity, take a shower, wash your hair, and launder the clothing you wore outside to remove pollen.
  • Plan camping trips, walks in the park, etc., during the “off-season” for the pollens you are allergic to. (As a general rule, trees pollinate in spring, and weeds in fall. Grasses pollinate in summer with overlap into late spring and early fall.)
  • Enjoy a trip to the beach, desert, or other area with minimal vegetation during seasons of heavy pollen.
  • Raking leaves and mowing lawns stirs up pollens and molds. Assign this job to someone else if possible. If you must do the job yourself, wear a mask. One of our sponsors offers a mask designed especially for yardwork or housework. See a complete selection of masks here.
  • Don’t hang clothes or bedding outdoors to dry. Pollens and molds can collect on them.
  • Ask your physician what medications or treatments are best for you.

For more information, see:
Tips to Remember: Outdoor Allergens, from the American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI).

Salt Lake City, Utah, compared with Arkansas

Mar 8th, 2006
by AllergyNurse.
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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.

Massachusetts reports record warm winter temps

Mar 4th, 2006
by AllergyNurse.
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From California to New England, and from Iowa to Texas, allergy season is upon us. Reports are coming in from all but the northern-most states of spring allergies in the air.

MetroWestDailyNews.com reported today that in spite of the “unseasonably cold temperatures for the past 10 days,” record warm January temps in Massachusetts mean allergy season is soon to arrive. The article, which reported January temps of 7 to 9 degrees above average in Boston and Worcester, says, “Low-level tree pollen has already spread across most of the state.”

Of interest to those of us in the south-central area where ragweed season starts in the fall, the article cited above also reports that a warm January “is allowing the ragweed to come out earlier.”

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