There is no place safe from allergies in America, and some cities are more problematic than others. The Allergy Capitals is an annual research project of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) to identify “the 100 most challenging places to live with allergies” in the spring and fall seasons each year. The rankings are based on scientific analysis of 3 factors for the 100 largest metro areas in the U.S. The data measured and compared each year includes:

• Pollen scores (airborne grass/tree/weed pollen and mold spores)*
• Number of allergy medications used per patient
• Number of allergy specialists per patient

Top 5 Fall Allergy Capitals for 2009: (Full Report)

1. McAllen, TX
2. Wichita, KS
3. Louisville, KY
4. Oklahoma City, OK
5. Jackson, MS

EYE ALLERGIES SEEN AS FALL PROBLEM

In addition to this year's report, AAFA conducted an online survey of allergy patients and discovered that fall is also one of the most troublesome times of year for people with eye allergies. In the survey, nearly a third (29%) of respondents said that they experience eye allergy symptoms in Autumn. Click here for more information about AAFA's eye allergy survey.

Eye allergy symptoms can range from red irritation to constant itching. Allergy sufferers who wear contact lenses that you use for longer periods of time, may experience discomfort and symptoms such as ocular itching, tearing, and redness because allergens and other irritants can build up on contact lenses over time. Studies show that single-use contacts – daily disposable lenses that you throw away at the end of the day – can be a more comfortable option for many people with eye allergies than lenses replaced every two weeks or more.

To help allergy sufferers better understand and manage the eye allergy condition this fall, AAFA is offering a free educational brochure titled “Eye Health and Allergies.”  The brochure, supported by 1•day acuvue^® MOIST^® Brand Contact Lenses, includes vital allergy season advice for the nation’s 40 million contact lens wearers. Click here for the brochure which includes a Free Trial Pair Certificate for the contact lenses. By visiting the Web site, people can learn if their city is an Allergy Capital and get information about allergy symptoms, how to avoid triggers, and how to best treat their symptoms.   

MORE INFORMATION

Call 1-800-7-ASTHMA for more information. To discuss the research in detail, dial extension 248 to speak with a member of AAFA's External Affairs Department.

Special thanks to our research partner Pollen.com, a division of Surveillance Data, Inc.* "Pollen score" is comprised of comprehensive recorded levels of airborne grass/tree/weed pollen and mold spores, and prevalence data for each of these specific types of allergens.   

Looking for the "Asthma Capitals?" Click here.

Looking for products that have been proven more suitable for those with asthma and related allergies? Look for this mark and visit www.asthmaandallergyfriendly.com to find products and learn more.