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Guadalajara, Mexico; Memphis; Southwest

Jul 6th, 2005
by AllergyNurse.
4 comments

After suffering from recurrent sinus infections, asthma and allergies, I began to study climate and locations to try to better my situation. I chose Guadalajara, Mexico, after trying some SW locations.

The results have been/are amazing. No allergy, asthma or sinus problems while there over a six year period. Yet, each time that I returned to the US – the Memphis area – I became ill almost immediately, and returned to all of the medications, antibiotics, prednisone, inhaled steroids etc. and suffered until returning to Guadalajara, where I felt better almost immediately, and was fully recovered within a week. Often in a day or so.

The climate in Guadalajara is said to be the “2nd best in the world.” GDL is a mile high and does not have wide ranges or swings of temperature. While there is air pollution, it would appear that the high-dry climate was beneficial to my condition. — M.C.M., Guadalajara, Mexico

[Originally posted to Allergy Nursing.com on May 18, 2003]

Where can I go to escape allergies?

Jul 5th, 2005
by AllergyNurse.
6 comments

One of our readers asks

Where is a good place to live for allergy sufferers? I thought the desert was a good area, like Victorville, CA? — Chris, California

Response from AllergyNurse:

One of our patients who grew up in New Mexico told me he never had a problem with allergies until he came to Arkansas.

Yet the University of New Mexico Hospital website notes that trees, especially juniper, grasses, and weeds cause problems with allergies even in New Mexico.

Another of our patients who has lived in California, Arizona, Texas, and now Arkansas said she suffered with allergies everywhere, even in the dry climate of Arizona.

The University of Arizona website says in Arizona “maximum pollen counts are lower than in most other regions in the USA,” and that in some circumstances mold and dust mites are less as well.

But there’s a flip side. Here in Arkansas, our patients are currently looking forward to a hard freeze that will greatly diminish pollen problems, though dust mite and mold allergies continue throughout the winter.

In warmer, drier climates, like Arizona, the pollen season also lasts year round.

Tucson, Albuquerque, and Las Vegas report high levels of air pollution also. Pollutants can make allergies worse.

A reader from Iran wrote asking about problems with grass pollen in that area. Scientists say no country or area is free from allergy problems.

The University of Arizona puts it well: “…there really is no safe haven for the allergy sufferer.”

[The link for the University of Arizona quote may have been removed, I couldn't find it on their website anymore. (If you find it, post a comment here.) However they have lots of excellent info about allergies in Arizona and the Southwest. Start with:
Moving to the Southwest for Health Reasons?

[Originally posted to AllergyNursing.com on 1-22-03]