The Absolute Worst Cities For Allergies And Why
Hey Tourist! More than fifty million Americans live with nasal allergies. An allergy is an immune system response to foreign substances called allergens. You could be allergic to something you ate, touched, breathed in, or injected into your body. Allergies usually cause sneezing, itchy eyes, sneezing, a scratchy throat, and a runny nose. Severe allergies can cause hives, low blood pressure, rashes, asthma attacks, trouble breathing, and even death.
Although over the counter medications are available to help deal with the symptoms, allergies have no cure. If you have allergies, you will want to stay away from the following cities, which have been recorded as the most allergenic places to live in 2015 by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.
Wichita, Kansas
With an estimated 382,000 residents, Wichita is the largest city in Kansas, meaning there’s lots of room for weeds and grasses to grow into allergy-causing agents. Thus, it's no surprise Wichita’s pollen counts are higher than average. Residents os this city are increasing their use of allergy medications in order to cope with the situation at hand. Unfortunately, Wichita also has a lower than average number of available allergists on hand, which means longer wait times for patients looking for advice, consultations, and other treatments to deal with their specific cases.
As if this weren't enough to deal with for the time being, the next locale is even more allergenic! Keep reading for the full details.
Jackson, Mississippi
The sights may be beautiful, but this is one city all allergy sufferers will want to stay clear of, particularly if their allergies are quite severe. Jackson, Mississippi scored a perfect one hundred from the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America for allergy sufferers. Its pollen levels are worse than average with three hundred grains of daily airborne pollen per cubic meter.
Those who live in the area and who have allergies almost certainly take medication, making Jackson worse than average on the number of patients using allergy medication. You’re also hard pressed to find an allergist as there is an average of 1.05 board-certified allergists for every ten thousand allergy sufferers.
It's time to fly up to the east coast for the next allergenic city.
Providence, Rhode Island
Although the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology doesn’t have a pollen counter located in the city of Providence, it’s still considered a dangerous place for allergens. According to climate experts, the temperatures in Providence keep rising, which makes it easy for plants to thrive and pollen levels to increase. Like the other previously discussed cities, it also has a lower than average number of allergists available.
Ready to move to the next location? Keep reading!
Dayton, Ohio
Dayton, Ohio does not hold a strong spot on the list of worst cities for allergies, but its rise in allergy medications keeps it firmly planted on the list, and it has been in and out of top ten lists for years. Springtime allergies can be a concern for sensitive individuals with allergies as springtime is the peak time for tree pollen spikes. Other trees that may cause allergies in Dayton include cedar, beech, juniper, and cypress. These trees won’t let up their pollen content until May, so living here may require vacations during this time.
It's time to head to a city in the state where everything is bigger, including the severity of allergies.
McAllen, Texas
In the city of McAllen, the wind is responsible for carrying pollen hundreds of miles away from mountain cedar trees in the Rio Grande Valley. Later in the season, residents also have to battle dry conditions and native plants such as huisache, grasses and mesquite. Due to the small amount of rain McAllen sees per year, which is around twenty-six inches, there is not much available to get rid of lingering particles. Nasal saline can help keep the nose clean and free of lingering pollen residue. Antihistamines can also help allergy sufferers through a rough patch.
Ready for another southern destination not friendly to those with allergies? Continue reading!
Knoxville, Tennessee
Coming in with a score of 99.62 from the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, Knoxville is number five on our list of worse cities for allergies. It is rated worse than average on the number of individuals using mediation and airborne pollen levels, though it does score better than average on the number of allergists available to allergy sufferers. Seasonal allergies have been shown to spike during times of stress, so treat yourself to a spa day during peak pollen season and blame it on allergies.
Tennessee is about to get even worse for those who suffer from allergies, with yet another city in this state making the list.
Memphis, Tennessee
It’s more bad news for Tennessee residents who just can’t seem to escape the allergies in their state. The warm days and cool nights during springtime in Memphis send pollen levels into full blast. Although the near perfect temperatures tempt many, it’s best to close your windows and run the air conditioner. Pollen levels are reported to be better this year than last, but you may still want to be cautious if you’re considering moving here. Be sure to keep all pets groomed and clean to improve your indoor dander exposure.
It's time to get out of Tennesse and head over to a new city in another state!
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
This sunny state often brings out the pollen in nearby trees, which can bring out the tissues from the pockets of allergy sufferers. Temperatures here along with the dry, warm, and windy conditions are ideal for pollen to thrive, and it’s not uncommon for pollen grains to be carried a long way in the wind. The top three trees for pollen in Oklahoma City include poplar, mulberry, aspen, oak, and sycamore. Some may find some relief from their allergies by changing clothes often and bathing after being outdoors for long periods.
It's time to keep moving for the next worst city for allergy sufferers on this list.
Richmond, Virginia
The springtime is beautiful here but beware of what’s lurking in the air. Richmond has a high year-round pollen count, which makes it a difficult place to settle down if you suffer from allergies. It also appears as if this city is getting worse for those who live with allergies, as the high pollen season seems to be getting longer, often thanks to mountains and the wind blowing pollen over from there, as well as lots of rain and an earlier start to spring. Most research suggests the trees in the area are the major triggers for lots of pollen. Furthermore, studies show ozone smog pollution is also a significant contributor to allergies in Richmond.
Unfortunately, the next destination on this list isn't focused on fried chicken, although many may recognize the name for that reason.
Louisville, Kentucky
Sometimes there is a price to pay for living in such a beautiful city. Louisville may bring tears to your eyes with its high pollen count. Kentucky bluegrass is the top offender for allergy sufferers as it produces more pollen than any other grass in the United States. Be mindful when going for your morning walk as this is peak time for pollen to be released into the air. It may even be worth your while to wear a mask to cover your nose and mouth if you’re overly sensitive. The pollen here spikes in late spring and early summer months, making Louisville the worst place to live in for allergy sufferers for two years in a row.