The Allergy Report

Hives also known as Urticaria

2009-01-17T17:34:00.001-05:00

Urticaria (or hives) are a kind of skin rash notable for dark red, raised, itchy bumps. Hives are frequently caused by allergic reactions, however there are many non-allergic causes. For example, most cases of hives lasting less than 6 weeks (acute urticaria) are the result of an allergic trigger. Chronic urticaria (hives lasting longer than 6 weeks) are rarely due to an allergy. The majority of patients with chronic hives have an unknown (idiopathic) cause. Perhaps as many as 30-40% of patients with chronic idiopathic urticaria will, in fact, have an autoimmune cause. Acute viral infection is another common cause of acute urticaria (viral exanthem). Less common causes of hives include friction, pressure, temperature extremes, exercise, and sunlight. It may be true that hives are more common in those with fair skin.

Angioedema is a related condition and if you would like to read further on Urticaria, the following link is a good read.

Angioedema

2009-01-17T17:28:00.003-05:00

Angioedema

Is the rapid swelling of the dermis, subcutaneous tissue, mucosa and submucosal tissues. In short it is the swelling of the throat.

In the past, angioedema was referred to by the term angioneurotic edema, which wrongly implied that the phenomenon was due to neurosis.

Cases where angioedema progresses rapidly should be treated as a medical emergency as airway obstruction and suffocation can occur. Epinephrine may be lifesaving when the cause of angioedema is allergic. In the case of hereditary angioedema, treatment with epinephrine has not been shown to be helpful.

For more indepth knowledge of Angioedema please use the following link.

Sinusitis

2009-01-17T17:18:00.002-05:00

Sinusitis is an inflammation of the paranasal sinuses, which may or may not be as a result of infection, from bacterial, fungal, viral, allergic or autoimmune issues. Newer classifications of sinusitis refer to it as rhinosinusitis, taking into account the thought that inflammation of the sinuses cannot occur without some inflammation of the nose as well (rhinitis).

By location

There are several paired paranasal sinuses, including the frontal, ethmoid, maxillary and sphenoid sinuses. The ethmoid sinuses can also be further broken down into anterior and posterior, the division of which is defined as the basal lamella of the middle turbinate. In addition to the acuity of disease, discussed below, sinusitis can be classified by the sinus cavity which it affects:

Maxillary sinusitis - can cause pain or pressure in the maxillary (cheek) area (e.g., toothache, headache)
Frontal sinusitis - can cause pain or pressure in the frontal sinus cavity (located behind/above eyes), headache
Ethmoid sinusitis - can cause pain or pressure pain between/behind eyes, headache
Sphenoid sinusitis - can cause pain or pressure behind the eyes, but often refers to the vertex of the head

Recent theories of sinusitis indicate that it often occurs as part of a spectrum of diseases that affect the respiratory tract (i.e., the "one airway" theory) and is often linked to asthma. All forms of sinusitis may either result in, or be a part of, a generalized inflammation of the airway so other airway symptoms such as cough may be associated with it.

By duration

Sinusitis can be acute (going on less than four weeks), subacute (4-12 weeks) or chronic (going on for 12 weeks or more). All three types of sinusitis have similar symptoms, and are thus often difficult to distinguish.

Allergic Conjunctivitis

2009-01-17T17:11:00.002-05:00

Allergic conjunctivitis is inflammation of the conjunctiva (the membrane covering the white part of the eye) due to allergy. Although allergens differ between patients, the most common cause is hay fever. Symptoms consist of redness (mainly due to vasodilation of the peripheral small blood vessels), oedema of the conjunctiva, itching and increased lacrimation (production of tears). If this is combined with rhinitis, the condition is termed allergic rhinoconjunctivitis.

The symptoms are due to release of histamine and other active substances by mast cells, which stimulate dilation of blood vessels, irritate nerve endings and increase secretion of tears.

Treatment of allergic conjunctivitis is by avoiding the allergen (e.g. avoiding grass in bloom during the "hay fever season") and treatment with antihistamines, either topical (in the form of eye drops), or systemic (in the form of tablets). Cromoglicate is sometimes used topically.

Hygeine Hypothesis

2009-01-17T16:44:00.003-05:00

Hygiene Hypothesis

According to the hygiene hypothesis, proposed by David P. Strachan, allergic diseases are caused by inappropriate immunological responses to harmless antigens driven by a TH2-mediated immune response. Many bacteria and viruses elicit a TH1-mediated immune response, which down-regulates TH2 responses. The first proposed mechanism of action of the hygiene hypothesis stated that insufficient stimulation of the TH1 arm of the immune system lead to an overactive TH2 arm, which in turn led to allergic disease. In other words, individuals living in too sterile an environment are not exposed to enough pathogens to keep the immune system busy. Since our bodies evolved to deal with a certain level of such pathogens, when it is not exposed to this level the immune system will attack harmless antigens, and thus normally benign microbial objects, like pollen, will trigger an immune response.

The hygiene hypothesis was developed to explain the observation that hay fever and eczema, both allergic diseases, were less common in children from larger families, which were presumably exposed to more infectious agents through their siblings, than in children from families with only one child. The hygiene hypothesis has been extensively investigated by immunologists and epidemiologists and has become an important theoretical framework for the study of allergic disorders. It is used to explain the increase in allergic diseases that has been seen since industrialization, and the higher incidence of allergic diseases in more developed countries. The hygiene hypothesis has now expanded to include exposure to symbiotic bacteria and parasites as important modulators of immune system development, along with infectious agents.

Epidemiological data supports the hygiene hypothesis. Studies have shown that various immunological and autoimmune diseases are much less common in the developing world than the industrialized world and that immigrants to the industrialized world from the developing world increasingly develop immunological disorders in relation to the length of time since arrival in the industrialized world. Longitudinal studies in the third world demonstrate an increase in immunological disorders as a country grows more affluent and, presumably, cleaner. The use of antibiotics in the first year of life has been linked to asthma and other allergic diseases. The use of antibacterial cleaning products has also been associated with higher incidence of asthma, as has birth by Caesarean section rather than vaginal birth.

Happy New Year

2009-01-11T19:57:00.002-05:00

Hope the New Year is off to a great start for you all. I hope you had a safe and happy holiday season. May 2009 bring you and your family all the best and I do hope those Allergies have not been a big issue for you all. After finishing my 3rd year of immunotherapy shots, I can truly say that my allergies are improving. I will soon head to another allergenist appointment to see if a 4th year is needed. Perhaps 2009 will be my year! I hope it is yours! Thanks for dropping by!

Happy Holidays

2008-12-20T19:54:00.001-05:00

I just want to wish everyone a safe and healthy holiday season. I hope you all have a great Christmas and that the New Year brings much joy into your life and into that of your family. Thank you for stopping by and all the best in this Christmas season!
Merry Christmas everyone

Mesothelioma

2008-08-10T18:19:00.004-04:00

Looking for mesothelioma information? Then try the following article or The Maune Raichle Law Firm.

Q:What is mesothelioma?

A: Mesothelioma is a cancer of the mesothelium, the protective sac that covers and protects most internal organs of the body. The mesothelium has two layers, one, which covers the organ, and a second, which forms a sac around it. The mesothelium has different names depending on the location in the body. The pleura is the mesothelial tissue surrounding the lungs and lining the chest cavity.The peritoneum covers most of the organs in the abdominal cavity (where abdominal mesothelioma occurs), while the pericardium covers and protects the heart.

The mesothelium produces a lubricating fluid that allows organs within it to move and glide easily. For example, the fluid allows the lungs to breathe and the heart to expand and contract.

Like other forms of cancer, mesothelioma occurs when cells become abnormal and divide or grow out of control. Inmesothelioma, the helpful lubricating fluid is over-produced.This excess fluid encases the organs with a thick layer of tumor tissue, described as similar to a rind type of layer. In advanced cases of mesothelioma, cells metastasize, or grow and invade other organs and spread to other areas of the body.

The majority of individuals suffering from mesothelioma have cancer in the lining of the lung. Sometimes, mesothelioma occurs in the lining of the abdominal cavity peritoneal mesothelioma or in the lining of the heart (pericardial mesothelioma).

If you or a loved one are suffering from asbestos mesothelioma and are looking for help persuing a mesothelioma law suit, then I suggest trying the firm, The Maune Raichle Law Firm.

Epinephrine Auto-Injectors

2008-06-21T20:20:00.000-04:00

Epinephrine auto-injectors are easy to use, with a concealed needle that contains a pre-measured dose of epinephrine.

They are intramuscular devices that should be injected into the muscle on the outer side of the thigh to release the medication.

There are currently two epinephrine auto-injectors available in North America:

EpiPen^®
Twinject^®

Both products come in two dosages or strengths - 0.15 mg and 0.30 mg - which are prescribed based on weight.

Note: Patients on the lower dosage should consult with their physician before switching to the higher dosage.

Allergy Alert Released June 11 2008

2008-06-21T20:14:00.001-04:00

The Following is an alert released by the Canadian Food Insepction Agency on June 11th, 2008.

ALLERGY ALERT

UNDECLARED SULPHITES IN CERTAIN WHITE PARISIENNE POTATOES PACKED BY LANZBRO CORP

OTTAWA, June 11, 2008 - The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Lanzbro Corp are warning people with sensitivities to sulphites not to consume certain White Parisienne Potatoes packed by Lanzbro Corp, Mississauga, Ontario described below. The affected product does contain sulphites which are not declared on the label.

The affected product, White Parisienne Potatoes, is sold in 908 grams, vacuum packed bags with a white label bearing UPC 6 81548 00010 5 and packed by Lanzbro Corp, Mississauga, L5T 1Z3. All Best Before dates are affected.

This product has been distributed in Ontario.

There have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of this product.

Consumption of this product may cause a serious or life-threatening reaction in persons with sensitivities to sulphites.

The manufacturer, Lanzbro Corp, Mississauga, Ontario, is voluntarily recalling the affected product from the marketplace. The CFIA is monitoring the effectiveness of the recall.

For more information, consumers and industry can call the following numbers:

Lanzbro Corp at 905-362-1322 (9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Eastern time, Monday to Friday).

CFIA at 1-800-442-2342 / TTY 1-800-465-7735 (8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern time, Monday to Friday).

For information on sulphites, one of the nine most common food products causing severe adverse reactions, visit the Food Allergens web page at www.inspection.gc.ca/english/fssa/labeti/allerg/allerge.shtml.

For information on receiving recalls by e-mail, or for other food safety facts, visit our web site at www.inspection.gc.ca.

Travelling With Food Allergies?

2008-06-10T20:10:00.000-04:00

Traveling with Food Allergies? Convey your dietary needs and special diet.

Get a customized translation card in your palm in minutes! It's easy!

Register for your own Allergy Translation Card Today!

Whether you travel with a nut allergy, peanut allergy or you are a vegetarian or celiac (gluten-free diet), a food allergy translation card will make your next trip easier.

Food Allergy Translation Cards provide online food allergy and special diet language translations into a credit card-sized dietary card to be used as an alert tool in restaurants, grocery stores, hotels and catered events. Wrhether backpacking though Europe, a business trip to Italy ,or a vacation to any country of a foreign language, avoid complications wherever you eat with your own food allergy translation cards.

Why a Food Allergy Translation Card?

Communicates your food allergy or special diet effectively
Print unlimited copies of your own custom card within minutes!
Helps make a safer trip to foreign countries
Fits perfectly in your wallet/purse
It is a discreet card that is accepted positively

Remember: Carrying an Allergy Translation Card is only one way of eating safely. Other strategies must be used in combination such as carrying medicine and doing proper research. For More Ideas and Travel Tips .

11 Must Have Books For Those Who Have Allergies

2008-06-08T00:40:00.002-04:00

Having allergies can be quite symptomatic and quite life changing. For those who suffer from allergies there is plenty of advice and plenty of treatments available scattered across the internet or other various sources. But what advice is good to follow? For those who have food allergies or other allergy related problems sometimes the advice and information can be confusing or is not readily available. So I put together a list of very informative and information filled books that are written by leading Doctors, Nutritionists and Immunology Medical professionals. The information in these books came from those who have years of experience with dealing with various forms of allergies. The 11 books are:

The Whole Foods Allergy
Cookbook: Two Hundred Gourmet & Homestyle Recipes for the Food Allergic Family

Say Good-Bye to Illness
(3rd Edition) (Say Good-Bye To...)

What's to Eat? The Milk-
Free, Egg-Free, Nut-Free Food Allergy Cookbook

The Allergy Self-Help
Cookbook: Over 350 Natural Foods Recipes, Free of All Common Food Allergens: wheat-free,
milk-free, egg-free, corn-free, sugar-free, yeast-free

Dairy-Free, Egg-Free, Kid
Pleasing Recipes & Tips

Food Allergies and Food
Intolerance: The Complete Guide to Their Identification and Treatment

Food Allergies For
Dummies

The Kid-Friendly Food
Allergy Cookbook: More Than 150 Recipes That Are Wheat-Free, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Egg-Free, and Low in Sugar

Sinus Relief Now: The
Ground-Breaking 5-Step Program for Sinus, Allergy, and AsthmaSufferers

My House Is Killing Me!:
The Home Guide for Families with Allergies and Asthma

The Doctors Book of Home
Remedies for Children: From Allergies and Animal Bites to Toothaches and TV Addiction,
Hundreds of Doctor-Proven Techniques and Tips to Care for Your Child

Worldwide allergy, asthma rates rising, report says

2008-05-21T20:03:00.000-04:00

In its first ever report on worldwide rates of allergy and other chronic respiratory diseases, the World Allergy Organization (WAO) said that as allergy and asthma rates are on the rise, the number of health-care professionals who can diagnose and treat these illnesses has remained stagnant.

This report I found an interesting read, and states many world wide figures as well interesting facts on asthma, allergies, food allergies and other similar ailments. For the rest of this article please head on over to the following asthma link.

What is Anaphylaxis?

2008-05-14T01:04:00.000-04:00

Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is rare, but it is a severe allergic reaction. Anaphylaxis can occur after exposure to an allergy-causing substance (including allergy shots: hence the 30 minute wait afterwards). If you have a history of allergies or a family history of anaphylactic reactions, you may be at higher risk of having an anaphylactic reaction. Causes of anaphylaxis include certain medications, latex, insect bites and stings, and foods such as peanuts, shellfish, and dairy products and sometimes immunotherapy or allergy shots. Anaphylactic reactions are rarely caused by pollens.

Symptoms of anaphylaxis may include any of the following:
-intense itching or burning
-sneezing or coughing
-flushing, redness of the skin
-watery eyes
-hives
-tightness in chest/difficulty breathing
-wheezing
-tongue swelling
-nausea/vomiting
-rapid/weak pulse
-decreased/low blood pressure
-shock
-dizziness/fainting

If you should ever think you have had an anaphylactic response, you should see an allergy specialist. The specialist will evaluate your symptoms and ask questions related to your exposure and reactions to different allergy-causing substances. This will determine if you have possibly had an anaphylactic response, and if so, what has possibly triggered it. Allergy testing most likely will also be part of the evaluation to determine what you are allergic to or if you may have other unknown allergies. Although anaphylaxis is rare, it is extremely serious and potentially life-threatening. One out of every 2.5 million people per year dies from anaphylaxis.

Epinephrine

Epinephrine (commonly known as adrenaline) is the drug that is most commonly used to treat anaphylaxis. If you are found to be at risk, then your doctor or specialist may recommend you carry an epinephrine kit, which includes a self-injecting shot. The shot can be self-administered, and should be given immediately after the reaction until professional medical attention is possible. Professional medical attention should be attained as soon as possible after any anaphylaxic reaction has occured. You may also want to wear a MedicAlert bracelet indicating your condition and instruct family members and friends on how to administer the epinephrine (Shot) in case you have a reaction and are unable to administer it to yourself. Better to be safe than sorry.

What Are Allergies?

2008-05-04T01:04:00.005-04:00

Allergies are triggered by various allergy-causing substances which are termed allergens. Allergens can vary but typically and most often are things such as pollens, molds, and animal dander. In the springtime, typical allergens are pollens that come from grasses and trees, a common one is ragweed. During the rest of the year, other allergens such as pet dander, mites found within house dust, and molds are common.
Most people who have allergies have inherited them; however, allergies can develop on their own later in life and are quite often mistaken for a persistant cold or many colds. People with allergies have an antibody called IgE (immunoglobulin E). This substance causes an excessive reaction to allergens. Basically allergies is your bodies immue system trying to figfht what is a safe foreign object but for whatever reason has decided to fight it whereas in other people the body would ignore it. Typical allergy symptoms may include repetitive and prolonged sneezing, a runny or plugged nose, itchy, watery, red or swollen eyes, and itchy throat. Other common allergic reactions include skin and intestinal problems, such as hives, itchiness, rashes, diarrhea and headache. Lymph node pr gland swelling in the neck for cronic prolonged allergies, including even a feeling of a tooth ache where there is no evidence of dental problems, as well sudden flashes of fever like situations. Some patients also have a hard time swallowing with a feeling of a constricted throat or very well have a sore throat when they first wake or a tickle throughout the day in their throat.

Are allergies life-threatening?

Allergies are rarely life-threatening, but serious allergic reactions can occur. These include swelling of the respiratory passages, shortness of breath, and anaphylactic reaction. People who suffer from allergies have an increased chance of developing respiratory infections and may be more susceptible to developing asthma. The majority of allergy sufferers are affected by reduced efficiency in daily activities, decreased energy levels, and a reduced quality of life.

Allergy Treatment

2008-05-04T01:04:00.002-04:00

Allergy treatment

Allergy sufferers should be seen by an allergist or an ENT (ear, nose, throat) specialist. The physician or specialist will ask questions related to the patient's medical history and in all likelyhood perform a series of medical tests and examinations. One common test and likely the first is the "skin test," done by scratching or lightly injecting a small amount of allergen into the surface of the patient's skin. Then having the patient wait for about 20 minutes to see what the reaction is to the various allergens introduced. If a large hive develops, it usually means the patient is "sensitive" (allergic) to that allergen. Skin tests help to determine the patient's sensitivity to each allergen. This makes it easier for the physician to formulate a plan to alleviate the symptoms caused by the allergens.

Environmental factors

Counselling in proper environmental control is often included as part of allergy treatment. Learning to avoid substances that cause allergic reactions may make symptoms more manageable. Preventative measures can reduce the frequency and severity of allergic reactions significantly.

Medications

Medications such as antihistamines and decongestants are commonly used to prevent and relieve allergy symptoms. They can easily be gotten at a local drugstore and are available over the counter or by prescription in some cases. Anti-inflammatory agents (such as cromolyn, nedocromil, and corticosteroids) are also used to prevent allergy symptoms. These drugs work by helping to reduce inflammation in the airways caused by allergens. Low-dose corticosteroid nasal spray (Flonase) has become very popular and has proven to be extremely effective in managing the rhinitis (nasal inflammation) caused by allergies.

Immunotherapy (allergy shots)

Allergy shots are given to patients with moderate to severe allergies. If the patient's allergy symptoms occur year round (Cronic Allergies), or if the allergy is caused by a substance that is not easily avoidable, allergy shots may be the most effective form of treatment. In immunotherapy, the patient is given a series of shots or vaccinations to help build immunity to the allergen. Patients are given an injection once a week for the first 20 weeks then a maintenance dose once a month afterwards, containing only the allergens to which the patient reacts. As the weeks progress, the concentration of the allergen in each shot is gradually increased (The first 20 weeks, then the patient gets a maintenance dose monthly thereafter). Typically, patients will receive injections for 3 to 5 years or more. (The start of year 2 or 3 etc, the patient goes weekly for about 6 weeks then back to their maintenance dose)
Immunotherapy is a relatively safe if somewhat old-fashioned method of treatment. The effectiveness of these shots can be quite variable but most of the time allergies are reduced if not all together lessened to the point of being "cured".

Dust Mite Control Possible?

2008-05-03T02:47:00.003-04:00

Dust mites is a nasty word for millions of allergy sufferers. The tiny microscopic allergens (bugs) are something many homeowners do not even wish to discuss but rest assured, are crawling from one end of your house to the other. Recent reports as of late debate the effects of "fighting against mites" and whether or not there is any benefit. These recent reports and articles however aim towards not just allergy sufferers of mites, but those with Asthma. An interesting read either way. Having this very allergy myself, and having experience with bed covers and pillow case covers vs not having them, I personally see a BIG difference in my symptoms. After all you spend more time on your mattress/bed than any one other place. As far as the rest of the house , perhaps these articles do have merit. I do not know, but I thought the recent reports would be an interesting read none the less.

Commonly agreed ways to reduce your home exposure to dust-mite allergens:

Get white sheets and pillowcases for your bed and wash them every week in very hot water. Wash the mattress pads and blankets, too.
Vacuum regularly, but not within two hours of bedtime. A HEPA filter isn't necessary and may not help. If you're allergic to dust mites, wear a dust mask while vacuuming or get out of the house while someone else vacuums. Vacuums raise residual dust, and you should wait for it to settle.
Remove stuffed animals and dusty clutter from the bedroom.
Remove upholstered furniture from the bedroom and from other rooms in which you spend a lot of time.
Get a dehumidifier. Dust mites love humidity. Keeping humidity in the 30% to 50% range helps control dust mites.
Consider putting mite-blocking covers on your mattress and pillows.
Consider removing fabric window coverings and replacing them with plastic ones.
Get rid of tapestries or fabric wall hangings.
Consider replacing carpeting with tile or wooden floors.
Do not hire a duct-cleaning service. Dust mites do not live in working heating and air-conditioning ducts.
Clean the air filters on your furnace/air conditioner at least once a month.

Things I was told from my allergenist were also to make sure clothing was put away in drawers/closets with doors closed for clean clothing, or in a sealable bag/hamper in the case of laundry in a laundering room (or away from bedroom). As well I was told to keep paper to a minimum around the house. Or paper products for that matter. I've failed on much of these reccomendations, except those regarding the bedroom and sleeping habits, and I found that alone made a huge difference just following the bedroom reccomendations.

100 Worst US Cities For Spring Allergy Sufferers

2008-05-03T02:37:00.003-04:00

Lexington, Ky., tops the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America's 2008 list of "spring allergy capitals."

Greensboro, N.C., comes in at 2nd, followed by Johnson City, Tenn., Augusta, Ga., and Jackson, Miss. in fifth place.

The yearly list is based on four factors: allergy prevalence, seasonal pollen, allergy medication use per patient, and the number of board-certified allergy specialists per patient. It should be noted that rankings can change quite modestly from one year to another. For example, Lexington leads this year's rankings but 2007 they were 57th. That said here is the remainder of the list entries.

Here is the complete list of 2008 spring allergy capitals:

Lexington, Ky.
Greensboro, N.C.
Johnson City, Tenn.
Augusta, Ga.
Jackson, Miss.
Knoxville, Tenn.
Birmingham, Ala.
New Orleans
Little Rock, Ark.
San Diego
Oklahoma City
Mobile, Ala.
South Bend, Ind.
Omaha, Neb.
Stockton, Calif.
McAllen, Texas
Greenville, S.C.
Nashville, Tenn.
Tulsa, Okla.
Harrisburg, Pa.
Louisville, Ky.
Dallas-Fort Worth
Charlotte, N.C.
Tampa, Fla.
Philadelphia
St. Louis
Scranton, Pa.
Lansing, Mich.
Madison, Wis.
Rochester, N.Y.
Daytona Beach, Fla.
Memphis
Milwaukee, Wis.
Norfolk, Va.
Pensacola, Fla.
Charleston, S.C.
Cleveland, Ohio
Indianapolis
Houston
Lakeland, Fla.
Baltimore
Sacramento, Calif.
Columbia, S.C.
Kansas City, Mo.
New York
San Antonio
Allentown, Pa.
Wichita, Kan.
Albuquerque, N.M.
Baton Rouge, La.
Washington, D.C.
Providence, R.I.
Fort Wayne, Ind.
Austin, Texas
Canton, Ohio
Atlanta
Kalamazoo, Mich.
Chattanooga, Tenn.
Boston
Detroit
Grand Rapids, Mich.
Hartford, Conn.
Denver
Dayton, Ohio
Tucson, Ariz.
Buffalo, N.Y.
Des Moines, Iowa
Syracuse, N.Y.
Salt Lake City
Minneapolis-St. Paul
Cincinnati
Columbus, Ohio
Chicago
Boise City, Idaho
Albany, N.Y.
El Paso, Texas
Richmond, Va.
Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill, N.C.
Las Vegas
Jacksonville, Fla.
Melbourne, Fla.
Pittsburgh
Miami
Toledo, Ohio
Modesto, Calif.
Los Angeles
Springfield, Mass.
Youngstown, Ohio
Colorado Springs, Colo.
Seattle
Phoenix-Mesa, Ariz.
Fresno, Calif.
Portland, Ore.
Fort Myers, Fla.
Orlando, Fla.
Lancaster, Pa.
Sarasota, Fla.
Bakersfield, Calif.
San Francisco
Spokane, Wash.

SOURCES: Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America: "Spring Allergy Capitals 2008." WebMD Medical News: "Tulsa Tops Spring Allergy City List."

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2008-04-03T02:25:00.001-04:00

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