Allergies
Slideshow: 10 Worst Cities for Spring Allergies
Is Your City on the List?
Wherever you live, you’re likely to come into contact with allergy-causing pollen. The nonprofit Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America (AAFA) has identified its annual list of "spring allergy capitals" for 2011. AAFA evaluates 100 U.S. cities for spring allergy prevalence, pollen scores, allergy medicine use, and board-certified allergists per patient. See if your town made this year's list.
No. 10: Madison, Wisc.
Situated between two large lakes, Madison is the second-largest city in Wisconsin. But it's tops in the state when it comes to seasonal allergic rhinitis. Madison claims the No. 10 spot in the AAFA list of worst cities for spring allergy sufferers. City rankings can shift from year to year, depending on whether a city improved or faltered in any of AAFA's categories.
No. 9: McAllen, Texas
Think the American Southwest has a climate that will help control your allergies? McAllen, Texas, proves that pollen can travel anywhere. Located at the southern tip of the state, McAllen is often hot and humid in the springtime. Weather and humidity affect pollen, so check the day's pollen counts before you head outdoors.
No. 8: Richmond, Va.
This year Richmond, the capital of Virginia, can add "allergy capital" to its impressive list of historical credits. The site of Patrick Henry's famous "Give me liberty or give me death" speech, Richmond is near the James River and less than 100 miles away from the Chesapeake Bay. Whether your town is far inland or close to water, pollen can drift in and cause allergies.
No. 7: Dayton, Ohio
Residents of Dayton, Ohio, may be breathing a little easier. This year Dayton dropped to No. 7 from No. 4. This hometown to flight pioneers Orville and Wilbur Wright is sometimes called the "Birthplace of Aviation." Allergy-causing pollen takes flight in the early morning and peaks between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
No. 6: Birmingham, Ala.
The largest city in Alabama also leads the state as the worst city for allergy sufferers. Birmingham was built on railroad transportation and manufacturing but is situated in a valley close to a diversity of plant and wildlife. Allergies can strike anywhere -- in industrial, rural, or urban areas -- and can cause problems for both children and adults.
No. 5: Chattanooga, Tenn.
The first of two Tennessee cities to appear in this year's top 10, Chattanooga drops down two notches to No. 5. The city is perhaps most famous for its proximity to Lookout Mountain, and the namesake song that was inspired by train travel. In Chattanooga or any other city, filter out pollen, outdoor pollutants, and other irritants by using HEPA filters at home and keeping windows and doors shut.
No. 4: Jackson, Miss.
Jackson, Miss., crept up from last year's position at No. 8. The city that's home to part of the Natchez Trace Parkway -- with its diverse forests, prairies, and croplands -- is a hot spot for allergy action. Did you know that 40 million Americans have indoor/outdoor allergies? The most common trigger of such allergies is pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds.
No. 3: Charlotte, N.C.
Beautiful Charlotte has been called the "City of Trees" for its tree-lined boulevards. Charlotteans may experience more hay fever this season: The city jumped up two slots to No. 3 on this year's AAFA list. Trees pollinate in late winter and spring, but grasses pollinate in late spring and summer.
No. 2: Louisville, Ky.
Situated on the Ohio River across from the state of Indiana, Louisville holds steady as the second-worst city for spring allergies. This port city -- home of the Louisville Slugger and the Kentucky Derby -- ranks consistently among the top allergy capitals. Most of the cities on this year's list are located in the southern United States.
No. 1: Knoxville, Tenn.
Knoxville again claimed the No. 1 spot among allergy capitals. The eastern Tennessee city has plenty of charm and scenic mountain beauty, but it has plenty of pollen, too. Last year it ranked among AAFA's top cities for fall allergies and asthma as well. You might get allergy relief from over-the-counter medicines, or you might need to see a doctor. Nationwide, the cost of treating allergies is nearly $7 billion.
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