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Spring Allergy Sufferers Take Heed: The Country's Worst Allergy Cities Lie East of the RockiesRESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. - Attention residents of Dallas, St. Louis and Tulsa you may need to tiptoe through the tulips a bit more gingerly this spring - or at least be prepared with a wad of tissues. In a ranking just released by Glaxo Wellcome, maker of Flonase Ò (fluticasone propionate) Nasal Spray, 50 mcg, these locations and 20 other cities east of the Rockies were among the 25 Worst Spring Allergy Cities in the United States. The ratings, which were determined by six categories (peak levels of tree, grass and weed pollen during February through mid-June 1999 and sustained periods of high to very high levels of pollen from trees, grasses and weeds over that same period), show that seasonal allergens are in greater concentration in certain cities and geographic locations. "Millions of Americans suffer with seasonal nasal allergies," said Dr. Robert Overholt, an allergist with a private practice in Knoxville, Tennessee, and a Fellow with the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. "Nasal allergies are responsible for 3.8 million lost work and school days, and millions of springtime doctor visits every year are triggered by allergies and often go misdiagnosed as a cold." Allergic rhinitis - commonly known as "hay fever" or nasal allergies - is inflammation of the membranes that line the nose. Nasal allergies are caused by a broad range of year-round and seasonal allergens such as pollens, dust and molds. Nasal allergy symptoms include congestion, runny nose, sneezing and itchiness in the nose. It's not easy to avoid pollen. One plant can generate a million grains of pollen. And because pollens are small, light and dry, they can be easily spread by wind, which keeps pollen airborne and carries it over long distances, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI) The first step in the management of nasal allergies is to avoid allergens in the first place. But, as many residents of these 25 Worst Spring Allergy Cities know, it's practically impossible to avoid all allergens. Now, with the help of medications, such as antihistamines, decongestants and intranasal corticosteroids, allergy sufferers can get relief even during the worst allergy seasons. Another option is allergy shots, which over time, if taken regularly, may make the body less sensitive to certain allergens. According to a joint task force representing three leading medical organizations, the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI), the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) and the Joint Council of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, the most effective treatment for nasal allergies is anti-inflammatory nasal sprays known as intranasal corticosteroids. Allergic rhinitis is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases in the U.S. It affects not only many residents in the 25 Worst Spring Allergy Cities, but also approximately 20 to 40 million people annually across the country, including 10% to 30% of adults and up to 40% of children. Numerous studies show that prevalence rates of nasal allergies have increased over the past two to three decades, with greatest increases appearing in children and young adults.
According to the study,
the 25 worst spring allergy cities are in order: Also see: Does your child have a cold or are allergies setting in?
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