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10 Cities most affected by fall allergies

Allergies are included in the list of chronic problems faced by people all over the world. Statistics shows that millions of people, especially in the United States fall prey to nasal and asthmatic allergies each year. Fall season is a short-span season when leaves, flowers settle to the ground, become damp and start rotting. This environment is favourable for moulds, other allergens to grow and spread. Fall allergies are a result of allergens such as pollen which fill the air, spread more rapidly especially in the fall months causing allergies .The symptoms can range from mild like irritation in the eyes, sneezing, coughing, watery eyes, running nose to more serious like rashes, difficulty breathing, asthma attacks, etc.

Some common fall allergens include ragweed spores, pollen from plants or air-borne grass, mould spores etc. So, it is important to identify the triggers and take precautions to avoid them, keep necessary medications like anti-histamines and other anti-allergic medicines handy. Many people, especially those with Asthma suffer a lot because of allergens like mould spores. Increased temperature and flooding conditions also increase fall allergies in cities located especially in the north-east regions of the United States.

Why people living in some cities are more prone to fall allergies?

People all over the world, do suffer from fall allergies, but some cities are ideal for accumulation of these allergens, thus making people more prone. Billions of pollen spores are released by a single ragweed plant and they are so light that they travel from one place to another very easily with wind. The climatic condition of some cities is the main reason behind these fall allergies as it allows plants to grow well, thus releasing more pollen spores into the air.

The weather in some cities in the mid-west and east-coast in the U.S is windier and comparatively damp when compared with other places. Such conditions allow the allergens like ragweed to travel distances easily than others. Some cities like Lexington and Kentucky, San Diego in U.S have been named the worst cities for fall allergies before few years. In most of these cities, the ragweed pollen is known to cause most of these allergies. Cities in the west coast of U.S usually suffer more fall allergy problems in the fall months when the weather becomes very hot.

Worst ten cities in the list of fall allergies

Due to changes in climate all over, the cities in the list also change but some constantly find their place as cities affected by fall allergies. These cities are included basing on the prevalence of allergens, pollen scores in season, usage of medications, number of available medical practitioners for treating allergy etc.

Here’s the list of ten worst cities most affected by allergies in the fall months:

1. Knoxville, Tennessee: This city is first in this list. It is geographically located in the humid subtropical climate zone, which boosts conditions favorable for plant growth all throughout the year. It is rated as average in terms of pollen score in the air and increased allergy medication use than average making it the worst place for people prone to fall allergies. This city being a historical place deserves a visit but provided you are prepared for those typical symptoms of itchy eyes and sneezing.

2. Dayton, Ohio: This city of U.S has been in news from past few years for the same reason and is the second worst city affected by fall allergies. High scores of pollen in the air, especially in the fall months is the cause for the worst allergies experienced by people living here. So, it is important to carry all the allergy related medications like anti-histamines when on your visit in order to protect yourself from these allergies and to enjoy the vibrance this city offers through its culture and arts.

3. McAllen, Texas: This city is in the third position for fall allergies. The hot and humid climate of this place even in the colder months remains ideal and favourable for growth of mould spores, other pollen released from plants and other allergens. The plants flourish as a result of this climate and release more of pollen into the air resulting in fall allergies.

4. Jackson, Mississippi: It takes fourth place in the list for worst cities affected by both fall and other allergies according to the recent survey. The city has a lot to offer being a historical place but people are prone to allergies and there has been a high reported allergy-related medication use. The city has required number of allergy specialists who can take care of people affected, has average pollen scores as per the AAFA (the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America). This city has only becoming worse over the years in terms of fall allergies.

5. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma: It occupies fifth position in the list and showed a score of above 90%. Allergies including fall allergies are a leading cause for chronic problems faced by people in turn affecting various aspects of life. High percentage of pollen spores were found in the air in the fall months along with a considerable increase in medication-use and adequate specialists to take care of people affected.

6. Louisville, Kentucky: Accordingly to the recent survey, this city of U.S is in the 6th worst place which is affected by seasonal allergies. The pollen scores are average on the scale in the fall months but inadequate certified specialists, medication use elevate it to a higher position in the category of worst cities, according to the regulatory authority – (AAFA).

7. Wichita, Kansas: This city is in the seventh place and has been ranked even worst for fall allergies in the years 2009 and 2010. The typical symptoms of fall allergies are seen in people here as a result of fall allergies. However, the number of certified specialists has increased over the years – important criteria for evaluating city as worst for fall allergies. Anti-histamines and other anti-allergy medicines are a must to find relief from these allergic symptoms.

8. Madison, Wisconsin: This city occupies eighth position in the list of worst cities affected by allergies during fall months. In the fall season, one can find widespread pollen spores in the air and increased usage of allergic medications. Even though it is rated as one of the one of best cities to live in U.S, one cannot make it without the anti-histamines and other anti-allergic medications to prevent those problems.

9. St. Louis, Missouri: It has the ninth place according to the recent survey. There are many reasons to make your visit to this place, but do take your allergy medications as it is the ninth worst city affected by fall allergies. The AAFA rates this city a worse than average pollen score — which indicates that the volume of pollen and mould spores is 300 grains per cubic meter of air or even more than this. Even half as much as this amount can cause terrible symptoms in people.

10. Tulsa, Oklahoma: It is in the tenth position and has shown above 80% in the rating done by the concerned authorities. This rating was based on scientific analysis of three criteria for grading all the cities in the U.S by the AAFA. The collected data was measured. Pollen scores including ragweed pollen, mould spores, allergy medications usage and number of doctors per patient were tested and evaluation was done.

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