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Austin is sixth worst for allergy
The Asthma and Allergy
Foundation of America (AAFA) put seasonal allergies "on the map" today by
revealing the nation's top 100 Spring Allergy Capitals(TM) -- the most
severe cities for people with allergies. Spring is the worst time of year
for allergy sufferersfrom Atlanta, GA to Phoenix, AZ. AAFA ranked the
Allergy Capitals(TM) based on the impact that key environmental and medical
factors have on the severity of allergies in each market. Americans aren't
taught about Allergy Capitals(TM) in geography, so AAFA made Allergy
Capitals(TM) part of theFoundation's Allergy Action Plan to help consumers
recognize, prevent and safely treat allergy symptoms. The top ten 2004
Spring Allergy Capitals(TM) are:
1. Atlanta, GA
2. Augusta-Aiken, GA-SC
3. Louisville, KY
4. Charlotte-Gastonia-Rock Hill, NC-SC
5. St. Louis, MO
6. Austin-San Marcos, TX
7. Springfield, MA
8. Little Rock, AR
9. Knoxville, TN
10. Allentown-Bethlehem, PA A complete list can be found on the consumer
Web sitehttp://www.allergyactionplan.com "Allergy sufferers who live in a
Spring Allergy Capital(TM) should plan ahead," says Dr. Derek Johnson, an
allergist at Temple University Medical Center and a medical advisor to AAFA.
"An allergy sufferer can create their own Allergy Action Plan by visiting
allergyactionplan.com. After answering a few questions, you will receive a
personal plan that includes helpful information on allergy triggers,
prevention and treatment." The Web site, http://www.allergyactionplan.com,
contains tips for preventing spring allergies, and allows consumers to check
their local allergy forecast.
Consumers can also sign up for Allergy Alert(TM) e-mails that are sent when
pollen counts are elevated."Our research shows us that consumers want -- and
need -- more information about how to deal with their allergy symptoms,
especially when it comes to treatment," says Dr. Johnson. "When prevention
is not enough, allergy sufferers have the option of non-drowsy, 24-hour
allergy medication, such as Alavert(TM) and Claritin(R), that are available
without a prescription.If your symptoms don't improve, you should see your
doctor."levels, use of allergy medication and the number of allergist in the
area.Since allergies affect 35 million people from coast to coast, it is
important for people to develop an Allergy Action Plan this spring." Here
are how some 2004 Allergy Capitals(TM) compare with the 2003 rankings:* This
2004 spring allergy season will be much more severe in Austin, TX and
Baltimore, MD compared to last year.
Allergy sufferers in Hartford, CT should breathe easier this spring because
they had one of the biggest drops, moving from number six in 2003 to number
35 in the 2004 Allergy Capitals(TM) rankings. Allergy sufferers living in
Eugene, OR; Lubbock, TX and Reno, NV will also experience a much less severe
season in 2004.
In Houston, TX, allergy sufferers can expect this year's allergy season to
be similar to last year's since this was the only city to maintain the same
ranking of 20 in both 2003 and 2004.
More About Spring Allergy Capitals(TM)
The Spring Allergy Capitals(TM) ranking is part of the Foundation's
Allergy Action Plan, a multi-year campaign to help consumers recognize,
prevent and safely treat allergy symptoms.
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