MEMPHIS, TN (abc24.com) - There’s bad news for allergy-sufferers in the Mid-South. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America has released the list of worst cites to live if you have fall allergies, and Memphis is high on the list.
Last year, the Memphis area ranked the 12th worst place to live for allergies. This year, we have climbed to the eighth spot. Allergists say while the Mid-South may not have a noticeable peak in activity, fall allergens are expected to stay high for the entire fall season.
Pollen, ragweed, and mold are the common fall allergens that make people sneeze. Warm temperatures have allowed many plants and weeds to thrive this fall. Fallen leaves provide an easy hiding spot for mold to grow. Experts say allergy-sufferers won’t get a break from symptoms until after the first frost.
Allergist Dr. Steven Cole says, “Once you reach your threshold, you're going to have symptoms and the pollen count is high enough to reach most peoples thresholds.”
Allergy symptoms can be prevented and treated with over-the-counter antihistamines. Allergists say it’s important to treat allergy symptoms when they start because they can be precursors to bigger infections.
“It can lead to sinus infections, ear infections, bronchitis and a lot of secondary problems,” says Dr. Cole.
If your symptoms last more than two weeks, that is a sign that your allergies could have led to an infection.
