EDITORS/NEWS DIRECTORS:
Allergy season is earlier and stronger than expected.
More than 80 million Americans deal with itchy eyes, runny nose and other symptoms of seasonal allergies, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.
Experts say climate change has led to longer and more intense allergy seasons. The level of misery people will face depends on where they live and what they’re allergic to, but there are things people can do to feel better.
There are three main types of pollen that cause seasonal allergies: tree pollen in early spring, followed by grasses then weeds in the late summer and early fall.
Some of the most common tree pollens that cause allergies include birch, cedar, cottonwood, maple, elm, oak and walnut, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Grasses that cause symptoms include Bermuda, Johnson, rye and Kentucky bluegrass.
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READ AP’S STORY
Allergy season arrived early in US. Here’s how to keep pollen from ruining your spring
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FIND YOUR CITY: MOST CHALLENGING CITIES TO LIVE IN IF YOU HAVE ALLERGIES
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America issues an annual ranking of the most challenging cities to live in if you have allergies, based on over-the-counter medicine use, pollen counts and the number of available allergy specialists.
Here are the top 20 cities for 2024. The report also includes a list of 100 cities on page 5.
1. Wichita, Kansas
2. Virginia Beach, Virginia
3. Greenville, South Carolina
4. Dallas
5. Oklahoma City
6. Tulsa, Oklahoma
7. Richmond, Virginia
8. Des Moines, Iowa
9. Raleigh, North Carolina
10. Fayetteville, Arkansas
11. Allentown, Pennsylvania
12. Baton Rouge, Louisiana
13. Sarasota, Florida
14. Houston
15. Columbia, South Carolina
16. Orlando, Florida
17. Little Rock, Arkansas
18. Chattanooga, Tennessee
19. Greensboro, North Carolina
20. Kansas City, Missouri
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ADDITIONAL CONTEXT ON TRACKING POLLEN AND RELIEVING SYMPTOMS
— The best and first step to controlling allergies is avoiding exposure. To prevent allergy issues, keep windows closed at home and in the car, avoid going out when pollen counts are highest and change clothes when you get home.
— Pollen trackers can help with planning. The American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology tracks levels through a network of counting stations across the U.S. Counts are available at its website and via email.
— Experts say people should first figure out what they are allergic to, and many Americans are allergic to several things at once. Allergists can run tests for different triggers.
— Over-the-counter nasal sprays can help relieve symptoms, but they take a while to kick in, so it’s best to start them as soon as possible, an expert said.
— Antihistamines are another option. For young children and people who have to take many different allergy medications, immunotherapies in the form of shots and oral drops can help desensitize the immune system to allergens, treating symptoms at their root.
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CONSIDER THESE REPORTING THREADS
— Ask local primary care physicians and allergists if they’ve noticed any changes in number of patients they’ve seen or patient needs this allergy season.
— If you live in a pollen-heavy place, what plants contribute to allergies?
— Ask community members if they suffer from allergies and how they feel this season compares to others.
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The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
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Localize It is an occasional feature produced by The Associated Press for its customers’ use. Questions can be directed to Katie Oyan at koyan@ap.org.