Louisville Named Second Worst City to Live In with Spring Allergies

Challenging Cities to Live in for Allergy Sufferers

Annually the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) ranks the most challenging cities to live in while suffering from Spring Allergies. Louisville has previously nabbed the top spot of both the Worst Spring and Fall Allergy city lists, but this year Louisville dropped to the second spot behind Jackson, Mississippi.

The AAFA looks at a number of different criteria when ranking cities. These factors include: pollen scores of weeds, grass, trees and mold in the area, the number of over-the-counter and prescription medications used per patient, and the number of board certified allergy specialists per patient.

Here are the top ten most challenging cities to live in for allergy sufferers:

1. Jackson, MS
2. Louisville, KY
3. Oklahoma City, OK
4. Memphis, TN
5. Knoxville, IN
6. McAllen, TX
7. Wichita, KS
8. Dayton, OH
9. Providence, RI
10. Richmond, VA

Louisville was the only Kentucky city to make the list. Nearby Cincinnati, OH landed at 67, dropping from 61 last year, and Indianapolis, IN jumped from being ranked 80 last year to 63 this year.

Visit www.AllergyCapitals.com to view the full list of cities.

While Louisville is ranked number two, that doesn’t mean this allergy season will be any different than usual. If you suffer from spring allergies be sure to keep an eye on the pollen count and stay inside when the pollen counts are high.

To see current pollen counts for your area, you can visit FamilyAllergy.com or use the Family Allergy & Asthma app.

Tips to Manage Allergy Symptoms

The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology also offers these tips to keeping your spring allergies under control:

• Avoid using window fans that draw pollen inside.
• Wear a mask when gardening or mowing.
• Wear glasses or sunglasses to minimize the amount of pollen getting into your eyes.
• Shower, wash your hair, and change clothes after working outside.

As always if you’re suffering from seasonal allergies and over-the-counter medications are not cutting it, schedule an appointment with one of our board-certified allergists to begin your path to relief.