Once again, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) is warning people that seasonal allergies in the fall can cause problems for millions in cities all across the country.
The foundation's annual Fall Allergy Capital rankings - which list the most challenging cities to live in for people with autumn allergies - names Chicago, Ill., as the No. 1 Fall Allergy Capital for 2005.
Researchers ranked this year's cities based on several environmental and medical factors, including recorded and estimated pollen levels, use of over-the-counter and prescription allergy medications, and the number of board-certified allergists per capita. Chicago has some of the highest fall pollen levels and patient medication usage, as well as a lower-than-average number of board-certified allergists. Three cities in Florida were named among the Top 10 including, Tampa (3), Daytona, (4) and Melbourne (10).
The AAFA reports that seasonal allergies affect more than 35 million Americans, costing the U.S. economy more than $7 billion annually. Among adults, allergies are the fifth leading chronic disease and a major cause of work absenteeism, or "presenteeism," resulting in nearly 4 million missed or lost workdays and accounting for more than $700 million in total lost productivity each year. "Allergies are a serious disease," said Mike Tringale, director of communications for AAFA, "and these rankings send a message that fall allergies can seriously affect every city."
"The Fall Allergy Capitals list should make a person think twice before assuming that their runny nose, sneezing, congestion, watery eyes and itchy throat are due to a cold," said Dr. Derek Johnson, M.D., an allergist at Temple University Medical Center in Philadelphia and a medical advisor to the AAFA. "These are classic symptoms of seasonal allergies. When it comes to seasonal allergies, don't move to another city. Instead, think about having a year-round plan for preventing and managing your allergies."
Top 25 Fall Allergy Capitals for 2005
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