- No Place is Free From Allergies in America, According to The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America - WASHINGTON, Sept. 4
WASHINGTON, Sept. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of
America (AAFA) announced today its 2008 Fall Allergy Capitals(TM) list, which
is sponsored by the makers of ZYRTEC(R). The annual research project ranks the
fall's 100 most challenging cities to live for people with upper respiratory
allergies. The top five cities are: Greensboro, NC (1); Greenville, SC (2);
Little Rock, AR (3); Raleigh-Durham, NC (4); and Jackson, MS (5).*
While many Americans associate allergies with the springtime, this is not
the only time you can get a runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing, or nasal
congestion from upper respiratory allergies. In fact, the most common seasonal
allergy trigger, ragweed, is usually found in the fall. The Fall Allergy
Capitals research also shows that overall pollen concentrations have increased
in the top allergy cities. These pollen increases can make fall a very
difficult time for the more than 36 million Americans who suffer from seasonal
allergies.
No matter where a city ranks on the list of Fall Allergy Capitals, it's
important for people to know if their hometown or area is included. "Whether a
city is ranked number 100 on the Allergy Capitals list or number one, it's
essential for allergy sufferers to take the appropriate steps to manage their
allergies," says Mike Tringale, Director of External Affairs at AAFA. "Allergy
sufferers should know what allergens trigger their symptoms and, if
appropriate, manage them by taking a medication like ZYRTEC(R) that can
alleviate both outdoor and indoor allergies."
In addition to outdoor allergies, people may suffer during the fall from
indoor allergies caused by common allergy triggers like pet dander and dust
mites. Ragweed and pollen can also travel indoors through open windows and
doors. Upper respiratory allergies, which can be caused by both indoor and
outdoor allergy triggers, can be a significant challenge for people year
round.
To help allergy suffers enjoy indoor and outdoor activities this fall,
AAFA is directing people to www.AllergySavvy.com. By visiting the website,
Americans can learn if their city is an Allergy Capital and get information
about allergy symptoms, how to reduce exposure to triggers, and how to help
better treat their symptoms.
Danica Schulte, M.D., of Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, has
seen many allergy sufferers head indoors each fall in an attempt to escape
their worst allergy triggers. "Many patients come to me because they're tired
of missing out on outdoor activities they enjoy and I assure them that they
shouldn't have to," Dr. Schulte says. "There are excellent allergy medicines
available to people. In fact, this is the first fall that allergy sufferers
can get ZYRTEC(R) without a prescription in most local stores. This will be a
huge convenience for allergy sufferers no matter where they live or travel."
About The Allergy Capitals(TM)
The Allergy Capitals is an annual research project of AAFA to identify
"the 100 most challenging places to live with allergies" in the spring and
fall seasons. The top 25 Fall Allergy Capitals for 2008 are (go to
www.AllergySavvy.com for complete list):
1. Greensboro, NC
2. Greenville, SC
3. Little Rock, AR
4. Raleigh-Durham, NC
5. Jackson, MS
6. Knoxville, TN
7. Grand Rapids, MI
8. Wichita, KS
9. Oklahoma City, OK
10. Madison, WI
11. Tulsa, OK
12. Chattanooga, TN
13. Birmingham, AL
14. New Orleans, LA
15. Harrisburg, PA
16. Augusta, GA
17. Louisville, KY
18. San Antonio, TX
19. Columbia, SC
20. Charlotte, NC
21. Memphis, TN
22. Des Moines, IA
23. Scranton, PA
24. St. Louis, MO
25. Bridgeport, CT
The rankings are based on scientific analysis of three factors for 100
metro areas. The data measured and compared each year includes:
-- Pollen scores (airborne grass/tree/weed pollen and mold spores)**
-- Number of allergy medications used per patient
-- Number of allergy specialists per patient
This year's report indicates that more than fifty percent of the United
States' population lives in one of the 100 Fall Allergy Capital cities.
However, Greensboro, NC is ranked number one this year due to a
higher-than-average pollen score, higher use of allergy medications per
person, and lower-than-average access to allergy specialists, compared to
other cities on the list.
About Allergies
More than 36 million Americans suffer from indoor and outdoor allergic
rhinitis, also known as upper respiratory allergies. Allergies are caused when
a person's immune system overreacts to normally harmless substances. These
substances are often referred to as triggers. People can encounter indoor and
outdoor allergy triggers anytime throughout the year that can lead to allergy
symptoms. Indoor allergies can occur year-round and are triggered by
substances such as mold, dust mites, and pet dander. These allergens are often
inhaled through the nose and mouth, putting the allergens in contact with the
immune cells in the lining of the nose, mouth, throat, and airways of the
lungs causing an allergic response. Similarly, outdoor allergies can occur
when allergens such as pollen from grasses, weeds and trees are inhaled
through the nose and mouth into the lungs causing an allergic response. Those
who suffer from outdoor allergies are often affected by allergies in the
spring and fall. Symptoms for both indoor and outdoor allergies can include
itchy, watery eyes, itchy nose or throat, sneezing and runny nose.
About The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, a not-for-profit
organization founded in 1953, is the leading patient organization for people
with asthma and allergies, and the oldest and largest asthma and allergy
patient group in the world. AAFA provides practical information, community
based services and support through a national network of chapters and support
groups. AAFA develops health education, organizes state and national advocacy
efforts and funds research to find better treatment and cures. Visit
www.aafa.org to learn more.
About ZYRTEC(R)
ZYRTEC(R) is an antihistamine that helps block the action of histamine in
the body. ZYRTEC(R) helps provide 24 hour relief of your worst indoor and
outdoor upper respiratory allergy symptoms including symptoms of sneezing,
runny nose, and watery eyes. These symptoms can be caused by allergy triggers
such as dust, mold and pet dander, tree pollen, weeds and grasses. ZYRTEC(R)
has proven to be generally well-tolerated. In studies, ZYRTEC(R) began working
within one hour and showed continued symptom relief for a full-24 hours from a
single dose. For more information about ZYRTEC(R), visit www.zyrtec.com.
About McNeil Consumer Healthcare
McNeil Consumer Healthcare Division of McNEIL-PPC, Inc., a subsidiary of
Johnson & Johnson, markets a broad range of well-known and trusted
over-the-counter (OTC) products. McNeil Consumer Healthcare is most widely
recognized for the complete line of TYLENOL(R) acetaminophen products, the
leading pain reliever brand in the adult and pediatric categories. The
TYLENOL(R) product line consists of hundreds of products across a variety of
pain categories including: arthritis pain, pain with accompanying
sleeplessness and upper respiratory. Other McNeil Consumer Healthcare brands
include BENADRYL(R) and ZYRTEC(R) allergy medicines; IMODIUM(R) A-D
anti-diarrheal; MOTRIN(R) IB; PediaCare(R) upper respiratory medicines for
children; ROLAIDS(R) antacid products; ST. JOSEPH(R) Adult Regimen Aspirin;
and SUDAFED(R) and SUDAFED PE(R) nasal decongestants.
*AAFA is solely responsible for the identification and ranking of the Fall
Allergy Capitals list.
** "Pollen score" is comprised of compressive recorded levels of airborne
grass/tree/weed pollen and mold spores, and prevalence data for each of these
specific types of allergens.
SOURCE The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America
