Dallas Blows Onto List Of Worst Places In Us For Seasonal Allergies
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Frostbite is giving way to mild weather, and that leads to Texas most dreaded springtime trait: allergy season. According to a new report, Dallas is among the most challenging cities in the U.S. for those suffering with seasonal allergies and its likely to get worse in coming years.
In its annual Allergy Capitals report, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America identified the top 100 most allergy-inducing metropolitan areas in the country for 2021, with Dallas landing at No. 19 and earning a worse-than-average overall score.
As anyone who endures cedar fever can attest, Texas springtime allergens are merciless. But according to the AAFA report, springtime allergens in Dallas arent that much worse than they are in fall. The city ranks 19th on the reports list of most allergic cities in the spring season, and 21st worst in the fall.
Nonprofit AAFA has produced the report since 2003 in an effort to help more than 50 million allergy sufferers in the U.S. prevent and manage their seasonal-allergy symptoms. The report is bases city rankings on three key factors: spring and fall seasonal pollen scores, use of over-the-counter allergy medications, and the number of allergy specialists in the area.
In a move likely to surprise any Texan battling allergies, the AAFA claims the most challenging place in the U.S. to live with allergies in 2021 is Scranton, Pennsylvania, followed by Richmond, Virginia, then Wichita, Kansas.
New To Texas Learn About Common Seasonal Texas Allergies
Texas continues to be a very popular destination among people from all walks of life. In fact, Texas has consistently held the record for the largest annual growth in population from 2010 to 2016, the last year for which official statistics are available. The state of Texas has been growing by approximately 211,000 people per year, according to the Census bureau. With so many transplants arriving in Texas every year from different regions, newcomers may not be used to the common Texas allergies that many locals are already accustomed to.
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Worst Major Cities For Allergies In 2020
In this article we explore the 25 Worst Cities for Allergies. Click to skip ahead and jump to the 10 worst U.S. cities for allergies.
Scratchy throat, runny nose and cough? Well, before the fear of Covid-19 grips you, consider that allergy season is right around the corner!
Living with allergies can be a never ending struggle. For a patient with allergies, it is a constant process of identifying the triggers that set off their symptoms. People might be allergic to different things. It might be a specific type of food, some contaminant in the air, or some other allergens like mold plants, insects, animals, and drugs that one might come in contact with. This makes it important for your surroundings being free from the allergy causing triggers. Specific cities are therefore worse than others when it comes to living with allergies.
For all you know, the places you are living in might be aggravating the allergies you have. It especially becomes more important to find out if specific places you are planning to travel to or are considering moving to, are safe and free from allergens that might trigger your allergy symptoms.
Approximately 24 million Americans suffer from asthma, including 6 million children who are affected by it, according to American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology .
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Lets take a look at our final rankings.
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Diagnosis & Treatment Options
We are here to bring you relief from seasonal allergies! Dr. Schulte has vast experience diagnosing and treating these issues. We will consult with you on your medical history and symptoms, and then recommend skin or blood testing so we can get to the source of your allergies.
After diagnosis, we will tailor a treatment plan to your individual needs. We explain lifestyle measures that can help you avoid allergy triggers. Some patients have success with allergy medications that we will discuss with you. Additionally, we offer treatment options including oral immunotherapy and allergy shots. Patients who go the allergy shot route frequently receive a personalized, tailored Cluster Immunotherapy plan from our doctors, which provides faster results than traditional immunotherapy. The allergy shots and oral immunotherapy decrease your immune response to allergens and mitigate symptoms. Our goal is to get you enjoying the outdoors without fear of the allergens floating through the air!
What Is Tree Pollen
Tree pollen is a powdery substance that trees use to fertilize themselves and other trees. Plants have both female and male reproductive systems. Pollen contains the male reproductive cells . For the tree to be able to reproduce by making fruit or seeds, the pollen needs to come into contact with female tree systems.
In some plants, the connection is made by pollinatorsfor example, flowers and bees. Other plants, like some trees, rely on the wind to be pollinated.
During the spring, many trees release a large amount of pollen. The wind blows the pollen through the air and eventually to other trees of the same species.
If the pollen lands in your eyes, nose, or respiratory system, it can also cause hay fever.
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How Are Seasonal Allergies Diagnosed
Identifying seasonal allergies can be difficult because both seasonal and environmental allergies can have similar symptoms explained Carvalho. Dogs with food allergies can have symptoms that manifest in the skin and in the gastrointestinal tract .
There are different ways that seasonal allergies can be diagnosed, according to PetMD. One common method is an intradermal skin test.
Very similar to allergy testing in humans, with this method, a small amount of test allergens are injected under your dogs skin. Allergens are then identified by which injections cause redness, swelling and hives.
Using those results, your vet can create a specialized serum or immunotherapy shot that can be administered by the vet or at home.
Your vet may recommend other ways to diagnose the cause of your dogs allergies depending upon their symptoms.
Symptoms Of Pollen Allergies
Everyones immune system is different and allergies to pollens can cause diverse signs and symptoms. This means that diagnosing an allergy can be difficult. If you think you may have an allergy, keeping a record of your symptoms can help you and your doctor to understand what is causing your symptoms.
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How To Tell If Your Dog Has Seasonal Allergies Versus Food Allergies
It can sometimes be difficult to tell whether a dog has seasonal vs food allergies, said Carvalho. Seasonal allergies tend to be a certain time of year, historically spring or fall. However with severe changes in our weather pattern, I’m seeing a continuation of seasonal allergies in southern California.
Food allergies tend to be year round, but the sudden onset of symptoms, can make it hard to tell.
Plus, when it comes to food, even if you havent changed anything in your dogs diet, theres always the chance that your food manufacturer may have changed their formula. The new ingredients could be causing a reaction.
Second Reduce Your Exposure To Allergens
Dr. Rubinstein suggests these simple tips to help reduce allergy attacks:
- Cover bed pillows with allergen-proof liners.
- Never wear clothes worn outside to the bed.
- Wash your hands when you come inside to rinse off any pollen.
- Wash bed linens every week, and other bedding such as blankets and entire comforters monthly.
- Keep windows closed from sunrise to mid-morning. Pollen levels peak in the morning. Also, keep windows closed if it has been windy.
- While driving, keep your car windows up and use the recycle air setting to keep pollen out of the car.
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What Is Hay Fever
Hay fever is an allergic reaction to substances like pollen, dust, or mold. Medically, this condition is called allergic rhinitis.
There are two types of allergic rhinitis:
- Seasonal. These allergies are typically caused by pollen, and shift from season to season you might feel them heavily in the spring, but not as much in the fall.
- Perennial. These allergies are often caused by dust, mold, or animal dander. While they occur year-round, you may also experience them differently as seasons change.
Dallas Ranks #5 On The National List Of Worst Cities For Allergies
Allergy season is here, and no other area in the country is more susceptible to allergies than North Texas. More patients are prone to allergic symptoms during fall and spring.
Allergies affect millions of people each year. Dallas ranks #5 in the nation on the list of worst cities for allergies. Allergies occur when there is an inflammation of the nasal mucous membrane called rhinitis. Typical symptoms include sneezing and a runny or itchy nose that is caused by irritation or congestion in the nose. There are two types: allergic rhinitis and non-allergic rhinitis.
Allergic Rhinitis occurs when non-infectious particles take over the bodyâs immune system. Today, common substances that people come in contact with every day can be allergic triggers including plant pollens, food, molds, dust mites, feathers, animal dander, chemicals such as tobacco smoke, various foods, medicines, and insect venom.
Non-Allergic Rhinitis is not dependent on any specific allergic reaction. The symptoms can be triggered by cigarette smoke and other pollutants, as well as strong odors, alcoholic beverages, and cold. Other causes may include blockages in the nose, a deviated septum, infections, and over-use of medications such as decongestants.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, come to the Dallas Sinus Institute and learn about the different allergy treatment options we offer.
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What Can I Do If My Allergy Meds Aren’t Workingor My Allergies Are Getting Worse
If you’re already taking OTC allergy meds , allergy shots, a.k.a. allergen immunotherapy, make your immune system less reactive to allergens , and for some people, they can even induce a cure, says Dr. Parikh.
By giving small increasing doses of what you are allergic to, you train the immune system to slowly stop being as allergic, she says. This is the best way to address allergies, as it targets the underlying problem and builds your immunity to a specific allergen.
The downside? Allergy shots are a bit of a time commitment. You’ll need to get them once a week for six to eight months, then once a month for a minimum of two years, says Dr. Parikh. You need to be a little bit patient, too, because it can take about six months to start feeling better . But a life without allergies? Sounds worth it to me.
Natural Ways To Defeat Texas Seasonal Allergies
- Cleanse your nasal passages more often.
- Drink apple cider vinegar with water and lemon juice to break up mucus and boost the immune system.
- Add essential oils to your bath water or tea to reduce allergy symptoms.
- Clean your house regularly to get rid of accumulated dust, spores and pollen.
- Strengthen your immune system by managing your stress levels through self-care activities.
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Choosing The Right Allergy Medicine
Sometimes, you may need a combination of these medications to resolve all your allergy symptoms, but you should check in with your doctor first.
If over-the-counter medication doesn’t resolve your allergy symptoms, your doctor may also recommend a stronger version of these drugs, which may require a prescription.
Make sure that you’re following all the label instructions before taking any medication. While allergy medicine does expire, you may be able to use oral tablets well after the expiration date.
Worst Places To Live With Seasonal Pollen Allergies This Year
Spring is often lauded as a time of growth and rebirthwhen flowers begin to bloom and people start enjoying the great outdoors once again. However, for those with pollen allergies, any appreciation of the increased sunshine and greenery is often accompanied by a slew of allergy symptoms. Depending on where you live, you may need to take extra steps to prepare for above-average pollen counts this year. Do you know your citys outlook for the 2019 spring allergy season?
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Treatment And Defense Against Mold And Spore Allergies
This is another case where taking precautions can really help limit your and your familys exposure to mold.
First and foremost, clean up all dead and decaying plant material from around your house, rake up those leaves, get rid of rotting wood, clear your gutters of debris, and clean up compost and garden beds.
Inside your house, consider investing in a good dehumidifier. Do your best to keep humidity levels lowbelow 50 percent is ideal within your house. In your garage and attic, make sure boxes arent damp and ensure insulation hasnt gotten wet from the heavy rains weve been experiencing. Attics and garages can be a major incubator where mold can grow.
If allergy symptoms hit, make sure to visit your allergist. Mold is a potent asthma trigger and youll want to have your inhalers ready and have your allergy and asthma management plan in place. If youve only recently developed allergies, your allergy specialist can test for your specific allergies to pollens and molds, which will help determine if you should start allergy shots. Immunotherapy is a proven method for controlling fall allergies.
Top 10 Worst Places To Live In The Us For Allergy Sufferers
Allergies are the worst.
There are an estimated 50 million Americans who live with nasal allergies. Half of those cases are caused by seasonal allergies. Seasonal nasal allergies cause runny and congested noses, inflamed sinuses, relentless sneezing and other symptoms each spring through fall. Pollen can also trigger asthma attacks.
While these symptoms are relentless , they are quite common and, with proper care, can be managed.
A new report released by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America identifies where in the U.S. people suffer most from spring and fall allergies. Based on data from the 100 most densely-populated metropolitan areas in the country, they were able to rank the best and worst places to live based on pollen counts, use of allergy medicine and the number of board-certified allergists. The rationale is that its not only about where youre likely to suffer from allergies, but also where youll be able to get proper care, too.
The Allergy Capitals report helps raise awareness about the impact of seasonal allergies, how people can prepare and start proper treatment, explained Kenneth Mendez, AAFA CEO and president. Local communities can also use the report as a tool to identify how to better meet the needs of their residents living with allergies and allergic asthma, he said.
Want to see if your city made the list of most challenging places to live with allergies? Read on!
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What Makes Allergy Season Worse
While the timing and severity of allergy season varies across the country, the following climate factors can influence exposure and symptoms:
- Temperature. Mild winter temperatures can cause plants to pollinate earlier, and allergies may occur sooner in the spring. Tree pollen also thrives during cool nights and warm days, which is common in the spring and early summer.
- Rain. While rain can wash pollen away, it can also increase pollen counts, because rain bursts pollen particles, releasing smaller particles into the air at a much higher concentration. A rainy spring can also promote rapid plant growth and lead to an increase in mold, exacerbating allergy symptoms.
- Wind. Pollen counts increase on windy days because the particles are small, light, and dry. Wind keeps pollen particles airborne and can spread them over long distances. Hot, dry, and windy weather signals greater pollen and mold distribution, and therefore, worsened allergy symptoms.
Climate change has also increased the duration and severity of allergy seasons. “Tree pollen starts earlier, grass pollen extends further into the summertime, and we are seeing more severe ragweed seasons,” says Stadtmauer.
Is It An Allergy Or Covid
When COVID-19 and seasonal allergies are circulating at the same time, every sniffle can lead you to worry that you might have the virus. From the perspective of a parent, one of the biggest issues is when kids in school have allergy symptoms that are poorly controlled, and then the school system sends them home or says they need a physicians note, Dr. Leeds says.
The CDC has a Venn diagram that shows symptoms the two conditions have in common. These include congestion, cough, difficulty breathing, fatigue, runny nose, sore throat, and shortness of breath. But comparing the most common symptoms reveals clear differences. Seasonal allergies usually cause itchy or watery eyes and sneezing, while COVID-19 is characterized by fever and chills, muscle and body aches, new loss of taste and smell, nausea and vomiting, and diarrhea.
Because of COVID-19, people are afraid of you when youre sniffling, says Dr. Hsu. But it goes both waysa lot of people are sniffling and sneezing and coughing, and they are not getting tested for COVID-19, because they assume its allergies. And they are probably correct.
Often the distinction is clearpeople with allergies itch more, and they dont have the fatigue, malaise, and fever that comes with COVID-19. But anyone who is concerned should call their doctor, she says.
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How To Alleviate Your Allergy Symptoms
Leeds recommended wearing a brimmed hat and sunglasses to keep pollen out of your eyes and nose. A solid rinse can also work wonders after spending time outside.
Wash your hands and face after being outdoors for long periods of time, and consider changing your clothes, she said.
If you are particularly sensitive, limit your time outdoors on poor air-quality days. Consider washing your eyes and nose with a saline solution. You might also want to swap out your contact lenses for eyeglasses, as pollen can cling onto lenses and irritate the eye. Cleaning your lenses more frequently and opting for daily disposable contacts can also help relieve itchy, watery eyes.
Pollen can get trapped inside your home, so keep your windows shut and car doors closed. Vacuum often to get rid of allergens trapped in your carpet. If you have AC, set it to nonrecirculated air.
AAFA also recommends using a HEPA air filter to purify the air in your house. And pets can be pollen magnets, so giving them a good rub down is a good idea after a springtime walk, Gupta said.
You might also want to hold onto your face mask a bit longer. The masks we use to protect ourselves against the coronavirus act as a barrier against pollen, too. The better the mask, the better the protection.
N95 masks are ideal for this, but standard masks most people are using to protect one another from COVID-19 also work, Mendez said.
