Here's Looking "Achoo," America

LANDOVER, Md., Oct. 30, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) is out with the annual list of the Fall Allergy Capitals, the 100 most challenging places to live in the U.S. with fall allergies, at www.AllergyCapitals.com. This year, Louisville, KY, is named the #1 Fall Allergy Capital as a result of high pollen counts, high use of allergy medications by patients and too few allergists in the area to treat the growing allergic population. More than 45 million Americans are living with seasonal allergic rhinitis – commonly called nasal allergies – and the fall can be the most difficult time of year for people trying to avoid and manage their allergy symptoms.

High pollen levels can be particularly harsh on people with seasonal allergies in the fall. "Ragweed pollen levels are on the rise due to warmer climate temperatures, increased greenhouse gases and a longer fall pollen season," says Dr. Clifford Bassett, FACAAI, FAAAAI, Medical Director, Allergy and Asthma Care of NY. "This may be responsible for more bothersome fall allergy symptoms, and as fall brings in cooler weather we tend to spend more time inside further exposing us to indoor molds, pet dander and the like," says Dr. Bassett.

AAFA looks at fall pollen, medication use and the number of allergists in the largest 100 cities each year to determine the rankings. Louisville has appeared at or near the top of AAFA's annual report for many years. In fact, Louisville was also rated the #1 Fall Allergy Capital back in 2012, it has appeared in the top-20 on the fall list 9 times in the past 11 years, and it was also named the top 2014 Spring Allergy Capital, earlier this year. Other cities near the top of AAFA's 2014 fall list are:

View the complete list of 100 cities, get information about diagnosis, prevention and treatment, as well as information about the study methodology at www.AllergyCapitals.com.

"Every fall so many seasonal allergy sufferers are affected by a variety of symptoms such as frequent and repeated sneezing, runny nose, congestion, watery eyes, coughing and even asthma symptoms in more severe cases, all due to seasonal allergens," according to Dr. Bassett. "The key is to be proactive and have an allergy action plan to reduce, prevent and manage symptoms more effectively. This includes allergy testing to identify specific allergic triggers, allowing for better control and more cost effective care. AAFA's annual list of cities really helps to remind people to speak with their doctors so they can point them in the right direction for better allergy control and a better quality of life during the season."

About the Research
The Fall Allergy Capitals™ ranking is an annual research and educational project of AAFA, designed to help patients recognize, prevent and safely treat allergy symptoms. Through this ranking, AAFA raises awareness of allergies and provides helpful information designed to improve the quality of life for people with allergies. AAFA is working together this year to promote the findings of the report, educate the public about this chronic disease, and encourage people to get diagnosed and properly treated. www.AllergyCapitals.com.

About AAFA
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) is the leading nonprofit consumer and patient organization dedicated to fighting asthma and allergic diseases. AAFA provides free information to the public, offers educational programs to consumers and health professionals, leads advocacy efforts to improve patient care, and funds research to find cures. For more information, visit www.aafa.org.

SOURCE Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America

Related Links

http://www.aafa.org