2018 Spring Allergy Capitals

If you are having a miserable time this spring, then join the club! 

Want to know where your city ranks? Are they one of the top 2018 Allergy Capitals?

Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) just released their Allergy Capitals Spring 2018. They rank the 100 largest American cities every years.

The Hubby and I and all 3 kids have allergies, and we are miserable all spring and summer. In fact, at 11:30 last night, 2 of my kids were in a panic because they were out of their allergy medicine!

They are NOT going to have a fun day today....

Where does YOUR city rank for allergies?

AAFA says:

"The top five most challenging places to live with spring allergies this year are:"

"1. McAllen, Texas

2. Louisville, Kentucky   

3. Jackson, Mississippi

4. Memphis, Tennessee

5. San Antonio, Texas"

What do they look at when deciding which cities make the list?  

• Allergy medication usage (we personally keep the warehouse stores in business by buying allergy medicine in bulk!)
• Pollen and mold counts
• Availability of board-certified allergists

So, what do you do if you're miserable? Funny thing you should ask! AAFA has a whole list of things that can help:

• Limit your outdoor activities
• Keep your windows closed
• Use central air conditioning with air filtration
• Wear sunglasses when you are outdoors
• Wear a hat to cover your hair
• Take a shower and shampoo your hair before going to bed to remove pollen from your hair and skin
• Change and wash clothes worn during outdoor activities
• Dry your laundry in a clothes dryer, not on an outdoor line
• Limit close contact with pets that spend a lot of time outdoors
• Wipe pets off with a towel before they enter your home
• Remove your shoes before entering your home
• Wash your bedding in hot, soapy water once a week
• Rinse the inside of your nose with a nasal rinse to flush out and remove pollens you have inhaled into your nasal passages
• Use a CERTIFIED asthma & allergy friendly® air cleaner (portable or whole house/HVAC)

 If you try all of those things and are still struggling with allergies, you can ask your doc about allergy shots (immunotherapy.)

All 3 of my kids completed 5 years of allergy shots. Their allergies are still there, just not as bad now.

Happy spring - and stock up on tissues!