Are These 2 Michigan Cities Ranked Worst For Allergies?

Welcome to the Midwest, where allergy season can be brutal. Yes, allergy season has begun and those with allergies are already feeling the effects such as sneezing, nasal congestion, itchy throat and eyes.

People can also experience allergies year-round. During the spring you can see a jump in two kinds of pollen. From late March to June, more tree pollen occurs. On the other hand, the summer months bring more allergens caused by grass pollen. When it comes to pollen from weeds, a spike can occur more so in August and September. An increase in rain and warmer weather can especially bring about more severe allergies.

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), more than 100 million Americans live with various types of allergies every year. Many of them have seasonal pollen allergies. They even released a study revealing the U.S. "allergy capitals." The most difficult spot to live with allergies was Wichita, according to the report, followed by Dallas, Scranton, Pa., Oklahoma City, and Tulsa. Seven cities in the top 20 were in Florida. Meanwhile, Buffalo, Seattle, Cleveland, Austin, and Akron, Oh. Were the least challenging places to live with allergies.

"We’re seeing a lot more [pollen] in the South, which is what we are expecting because the southern cities have warmer winters. The plants grow and produce pollen for longer periods of time," said Sanaz Eftekhari, the foundation's vice president of research and an author of the report.

The study's allergy capitals are based on total pollen scores which include trees, grass, and weeds, over-the-counter medication use, specifically allergy medication, and number of allergy specialists in the area.

Surprisingly, Detroit was in the top 10 for the least challenging place to live with allergies. The city had an overall ranking of 92 out of 100 cities. Also, it was better than average for pollen, allergy medication, and specialists.

While Detroit scored the same ranking of 92 in the tree pollen category. Another Michigan city was higher on that list. Grand Rapids ranked number 14 for tree pollen. As far as grass pollen and weed pollen, Grand Rapids ranked 41 (grass) and 54 (weed). Detroit ranked 90 (grass) and 81 (weed).

There are ways to remedy allergies including over-the-counter medications like antihistamines, decongestants, eye drops, nasal sprays, nasal rinses, doctor-administered allergy shots, and bioelectronic sinus devices. Recently, a new device hit the scene that’s called XHANCE. The device treats people with chronic sinus problems that result in nasal polyps. You insert it in your nose and mouth and exhale while the medication is deposited deep into the sinuses.