Fall is my favorite time of year. Unfortunately, it is the time I suffer the most from allergies making it difficult to get outside and enjoy the beautiful fall weather and activities. If you want a temporary escape from all the pollen in the air, there are some allergy-friendly cities to visit during the fall.
What Triggers Fall Allergies?
There are several factors that cause indoor/outdoor allergies in the fall: trees, grass, weed pollen, mold spores, dust mites, cockroaches and dander from cats, dogs and rodents. Pollens such as ragweed and goldenrod are prevalent in the fall as well as mold spores.
This year’s weather has made fall allergies even worse with record pollen counts. The record breaking warmer temperatures this summer as well as the flooding from Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee attribute to the increased pollen levels.
Allergy Symptoms
The most common symptoms suffered from allergies are coughing, sneezing, itchy eyes, scratchy throat and runny nose. Rashes and hives can even manifest themselves. More serious symptoms include low blood pressure and difficulty breathing. Asthma attacks can occur as well which can possibly even lead to death.
Most Allergy-Friendly Cities
The three top cities to travel to during the fall allergy season are Portland, Oregon; Seattle, Washington; and San Diego, California due to having the lowest pollen count in the U.S. All three of these cities are located near the ocean where the breezes tend to blow the allergens out to sea. These west coast states don’t have large expanses of running wild grass like the Midwest that tend to kick up the pollen either. Cities with drier air, as well as, fewer dramatic weather swings cater to lower pollen counts.
Each year, more and more individuals seem to suffer from allergies making it one of the leading chronic diseases in the U.S. While there are no cures for allergies, only treatments, you can find areas with low pollen counts to escape to during this beautiful, miserable time of year.