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The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) warns that seasonal allergies in the fall can cause problems for millions of people. The Foundation's annual Fall Allergy Capital rankings - the most challenging places to live for people with fall allergies - and Greenville, SC, ranks as the worst this year.
Researchers ranked the 2006 Fall Allergy Capitals based on several environmental and medical factors. Greenville, SC, was rated the worst due to its high fall pollen levels, high usage of medications by allergy patients, and a lower-than-average number of board-certified allergists. Tampa, Dallas, Tulsa and Oklahoma City were also included in the top five rankings. See the results for 100 cities and the research methodology.
Seasonal allergies affect 35 million Americans, costing the U.S. economy $7 billion annually in direct indirect costs. Allergies are the 5th leading chronic disease and a major cause of work absenteeism and "presenteeism" resulting in 4 million missed workdays annually and $700 million in total lost productivity.
"Allergy is a serious disease," says Angel Waldron, Communications Manager for AAFA. "The rankings send a message that fall allergies have a stronghold on every city, so people need to be prepared no matter where they live." Waldron recommends planning for your allergies by checking www.pollen.com for a daily allergy forecast and speaking with a Board Certified Allergist before your symptoms become too difficult to control.
Seasonal Allergy Symptoms
"Think twice before assuming that your runny nose, sneezing, congestion, watery eyes or itchy throat is due to a cold or flu this time of year," says Dr. Clifford Bassett, an allergist and researcher in New York. "These are classic symptoms of seasonal allergies and people should have a year-round plan for preventing and managing allergies."
The Fall Allergy Capitals were identified and ranked based on the impact that key environmental and medical factors have on the quality of life of people with allergies, including: levels of tree, grass and weed pollen, use of over-the-counter and prescription medications, and the number of Board Certified allergists practicing in the community.
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) is the leading nonprofit organization fighting asthma and allergic diseases. AAFA provides free information to the public, offers educational programs to consumers and health professionals. |
