This fall, as weather conditions boost ragweed levels, sufferers may find themselves headed for an uncomfortable couple of months, especially those located in America's "sneeze cities," according to the AAFA 2013 Fall Allergy Capitals report.
An independent research project by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) and DYMISTA (azelastine HCl and fluticasone propionate), a prescription nasal spray, bases the official rankings for this fall on pollen levels, use of over-the-counter and prescription allergy medication, as well as the number of Board Certified allergists in each U.S. city.
Several factors, including pollen from weeds, outdoor mold, high winds from hurricanes increasing pollen distribution and an extended ragweed season due to rising temperatures and carbon dioxide levels, are all predicted to contribute to the allergy season difficulties in the next coming months.
"For us, pollen is, in essence, a crop. Jackson has a great climate for pollen," Dr. Todd Adkins, an allergist in the city, told The Weather Channel.
Jackson, Mo. is among the top 15 allergy capitals listed in the AAFA report. Other capitals include Memphis, Tenn., New Orleans, Oklahoma City and Omaha. Topping the list in addition to Jackson, Mo. are Wichita, Kan. and Knoxville, Tenn.
Allergic reactions to pollen and ragweed can mirror symptoms of the cold and the flu, and misdiagnosis among the estimated 40 million U.S. sufferers can prevent patients from getting proper treatment, potentially leading to more medical problems down the road.
"Allergy season is going to be 25-30 days longer in the fall as well," New York-based allergist Dr. Cliff Bassett, fellow with the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, told The Weather Channel. Luckily, there are many ways to alleviate symptoms.
"People suffer in silence when there are a lot of great treatments available. What patients really need is to seek the help of an allergist," Dr. Adkins said. "We can usually make their symptoms dramatically improve."
Unsure if you're sick or just sniffly from the pollen? Click here to take a WebMD quiz to determine whether your symptoms are likely the result of a cold, the flu or allergies.
TOP 15 ALLERGY CAPITALS
1: Wichita, Kansas
2: Jackson, Missouri
3: Knoxville, Tennessee
4: Louisville, Kentucky
5: Memphis, Tennessee
6: McAllen, Texas
7: Baton Rouge, Louisiana
8: Dayton, Ohio
9: Chattanooga, Tennessee
10: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
11: New Orleans
12: Madison, Wisconsin
13: Omaha, Nebraska
14: Little Rock, Arkansas
15: Tulsa, Oklahoma
