The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America has released its 2010 Allergy Capitals list. Syracuse is ranked #22 on the list of "Most Challenging Places to Live with Spring Allergies."
Knoxville, TN was ranked #1, and Harrisburg, PA rounded out the list at #100. Rochester made the list at #29. New York City was at #21. Syracuse was ranked #36 last year. The city's placement is not a surprise to local allergists and allergy sufferers.
"We have a lot of tree pollen here, a lot of short ragweed, a lot of grass," says Dr. Michael Sheehan, a board certified allergist and immunologist. Dr. Sheehan says the tree pollen season started early this year because of the burst of warm weather in March, but it usually starts in April or May. Now, we're in grass pollen season. The weed season is next, and during the winter people suffer from indoor allergies.
Allergy sufferers might benefit from trying over the counter medication, using an air conditioner, and keeping windows shut at night. If those aren't working, it may be time to consult an allergist.
Click these links for this year's list, last year's list, more on Allergy Treatment and the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America homepage.
