Spring is finally here, which is great news for people across the United States who have been suffering through one of the worst winters in recent memory. However, for the millions of folks who have seasonal allergies, this time of year can be especially difficult. As the pollen returns to the air, they'll have to deal with symptoms like itchy eyes, a runny nose and a sore throat.
To help people prepare for spring allergies, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) compiled its annual Allergy Capitals report, which lists the worst cities to live in if you suffer from allergies.
"To calculate the Allergy Capitals report, the AAFA tallied local pollen levels, use of over-the-counter and prescription allergy medication and number of board-certified allergists in each area," reports the Huffington Post. "Then, each city is assigned a score out of a total of 100 points. Virginia Beach made the biggest jump from last year's rankings, up to 20 from 66. And Los Angeles dropped the most, from 38 to 77."
Here's a look at the top 10 places on the list:
- Louisville, Kentucky
- Memphis, Tennessee
- Baton Rouge, Louisiana
- Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
- Jackson, Mississippi
- Chattanooga, Tennessee
- Dallas, Texas
- Richmond, Virginia
- Birmingham, Alabama
- McAllen, Texas.
If you reside in one of the cities listed above, it will be more important than ever for you to work toward controlling your allergies in the coming months. First and foremost, you'll want to see your allergy doctor to discuss your symptoms and learn about medications that could help. Then, there are simple changes you can make around your house to reduce exposure to irritants, such as investing in allergenic bedding and an allergen air purifier.
