What is making fall allergies so difficult this year? Some research suggests that increasing temperatures and carbon dioxide levels are allowing ragweed – one of the most common allergy-inducing weeds – to grow for an even longer amount of time than in previous years. This allergy season is also predicted to be difficult due to high winds from hurricanes and tornadoes that spread pollen more easily. Plus, storms like Superstorm Sandy in 2012 increased the outdoor mold levels which have made people’s allergy symptoms even worse. And unfortunately, the molds created by Sandy are still being spread around by windy fall weather this year!
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) recently published its annual Fall Allergy Capitals report, which ranks the top U.S. cities where fall allergies are the most challenging to live with this season. The rankings are based on data about pollen levels, number of Board Certified allergists, and allergy medication use in the area. These rankings don’t mean you should pack up and move to a new city, but the AAFA encourages individuals with fall allergies to learn more about their allergies and talk to their doctor about treatment.
The report and complete list of the rankings are available here.