Cities that Challenge People with Allergies

Asthma and Allergy Foundation Scores Springtime Pollen Counts

Jun 2, 2009

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation (AAFA) has determined that certain cities may be more challenging for people who suffer from allergies this springtime.

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) has released its list of the most challenging places for people with spring allergies to live. The ranking of the major U.S cities that may be the most miserable places for allergic individuals to live is based upon criteria including the pollen score, allergy medicine utilized per patient and the average number of Board Certified Allergists per patient.

Of the top ten cities on the list, six are located in the southeastern region of the United States. Louisville, Kentucky topped the list with a score of 100 points out of 100 possible. Knoxville, Tennessee came in a close second with a score of 99.38 points.

Information Important for Allergy Sufferers

Information from the Asthma and Allergy Foundation can be useful for people with allergies, so they can be alert to the potential risk of allergic symptoms in their region or in regions that they may be traveling to.

A board certified allergist can advise allergy sufferers about ways to avoid allergic symptoms, possibly by taking prescription, or over the counter, allergy medication. A physician can provide recommendations about effective medications and the correct dosage.

Information is an important tool for prevention of allergic symptoms. Allergy sufferers can take steps to avoid symptoms. A doctor may recommend medication, staying indoors and keeping the windows closed when the pollen counts are high.

Cities with High Allergy Scores

There are 11 cities on the list with scores of 90 or above, including (in order from highest to lowest): Louisville, Kentucky; Knoxville, Tennessee; Charlotte, North Carolina; Madison, Wisconsin; Wichita, Kansas; McAllen, Texas; Greensboro, North Carolina; Dayton, Ohio; Little Rock, Arkansas; Augusta, Georgia; and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Cities with a score of 80 – 90 include (from highest to lowest): Richmond, Virginia; Jackson, Mississippi; Birmingham, Alabama; Columbia, South Carolina; St. Louis, Missouri; Chattanooga, Tennessee; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Allentown, Pennsylvania; Memphis, Tennessee; Tulsa, Oklahoma; Providence, Rhode Island; New Orleans, Louisiana, Buffalo, New York; Greenville, South Carolina; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Cities with Low Allergy Scores

The cities with the lowest scores, and therefore the most comfortable for allergy sufferers this spring, include: Los Angeles, California; Riverside, California; Denver, Colorado; Colorado Springs, Colorado; Palm Bay, Florida; Oxnard, California; Boise City, Idaho; Miami, Florida; Daytona Beach, Florida; San Diego, California and New Haven Connecticut. New Haven had the lowest score on the list with a total score of 41.36.

Information in this article is not intended as medical advice. People with a medical condition or questions should consult a qualified medical professional.

The copyright of the article Cities that Challenge People with Allergies in Hayfever/Spring Allergies is owned by Christine Nyholm. Permission to republish Cities that Challenge People with Allergies in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.