Top American Cities for Spring Allergies

May 5, 2009— -- There may have been more running in Louisville, Ky., this past weekend than the thoroughbred race horses at the Kentucky Derby. Thousands of noses of Louisville residents may also have been running, since the city was named the No. 1 spot for spring allergies in the United States.

According to the annual rankings recently released by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), Louisville was considered "the most challenging place to live with spring allergies" out of 100 cities where data were compiled during 2008.

"Kentucky is taking a hit for the second time in a row," said Mike Tringale, director of external affairs for the AAFA. "Last year, Lexington was number one; this year it's Louisville."

Rounding out the top five after Louisville, which took top honors for springtime allergies, was Knoxville, Tenn., followed by Charlotte, N.C.; Madison, Wis.; and Wichita, Kan.

McAllen, Texas, ranked sixth; Greensboro, N.C., was seventh; and Dayton, Ohio; Little Rock, Ark.; and Augusta, Ga., completed the top 10 listings. With the exception of Madison and Dayton, it's primarily Southern locations that landed in the top 10.

The rankings, which are published by AAFA each spring and fall, are determined by considering three key factors. The analysis looks at a city's pollen scores (its grass, tree and weed pollen and also mold spores), as well as the number of allergy medications -- either over-the-counter or prescription -- used by each person, and the number of allergy specialists available per person.

To earn its spot attop the listings, Louisville had a severe pollen problem in 2008, along with high usage of allergy medication among its residents that year, and a paucity of allergy specialists relative to the number of allergy sufferers.

Some 35 to 40 million Americans have nasal allergies, also known as hay fever or allergic rhinitis.

"Some people have them seasonally, while others have them perennially," Tringale said.

In spring, it's the trees that pollinate; while in summer, grasses are the main culprit, and come fall, it's the weeds.