May is Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month

Itchy, watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing and wheezing - for many people that's a sure sign that spring has finally arrived. According to the Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), it is expected that more than 50 million Americans will be affected by allergies this spring. What's more, 1 in 15 Americans suffer from asthma, with "allergic asthma", the most common type, accounting for half of those cases.

Asthma is an inflammation of the air passages, which results in the temporary narrowing of the airways. Its symptoms can be caused by allergens such as pollen, dust mites and mold, or by irritants inhaled into the lungs. This results in inflamed, constricted, clogged airways. Though there is no cure for asthma, it can be controlled with proper prevention and treatment.

The AAFA has released its list of Allergy Capitals and Asthma Capitals; the 10 worst cities for people with allergies and/or asthma. The AAFA ranks 100 major metropolitan areas based on specific criteria - pollen counts and related allergy prevalence for specific pollen types, medication usage and the number of Board Certified allergists per patient for the Allergy Capitals; prevalence, risk and medical factors of allergic asthma. Risk factors of allergic asthma include annual pollution and ozone levels, pollen counts, and public smoking bans.

The rankings show that for both allergy and asthma sufferers, there are no "safe" places to live. There are some cities that may be less challenging than others but over time, most people develop allergies to the pollens in the area in which they live.

Helpful Hints for Allergy Sufferers Top 10 Allergy Capitals:
• Hay fever sufferers should wash their hair at night. Any pollen in the hair will be removed, which will keep it from settling on pillows and bedding. Also, avoid common irritants like tobacco smoke, automobile exhaust, hair spray and perfume. Wash hands frequently and venture outdoors only when pollen counts are low.

• The best time to take an antihistamine is before symptoms arise. Remember, some antihistamines can cause drowsiness so refrain from taking it if you're required to be alert or take a non-drowsy brand.

• If you're allergic to dust mites, place all area rugs outside in direct sunlight for a few hours. The sun will dry and heat the rugs, exterminating the dust mites.

• Some 20% of Americans believe they have a food allergy when in fact, less than 1% actually do. Most food "allergies" are actually signs of digestive problems, food poisoning or stress.		 1. Hartford, CT
2. Greenville, SC
3. Boston, MA
4. Detroit, MI
5. Orlando, FL
6. Knoxville, TN
7. Omaha, NE
8. Sacramento, CA
9. Washington, DC
10. Baltimore, MD


Top 10 Asthma Capitals:

1. Scranton, PA
2. Richmond, VA
3. Philadelphia, PA
4. Atlanta, GA
5. Milwaukee, WI
6. Cleveland, OH
7. Greensboro, NC
8. Youngstown, OH
9. St. Louis, MO
10. Detroit, MI