According to a 2022 report, three cities in Connecticut are amongst the worst places to live in during allergy season!
Hartford, New Haven and Bridgeport have been listed as some of the toughest places to live in 2022 if you suffer from springtime allergies. This was in accordance to a 2022 report that evaluates pollen scores, and overall usage of allergy medication. Key contributor to an overall increase in allergy suffering has been climate change. Due to climate change warmer seasons stick around longer, which in turn has resulted in more pollen in both spring and fall.
Most Challenging Places to Live With Allergies for Spring 2022
- Scranton, Pennsylvania
- Richmond, Virginia
- Wichita, Kansas
- Hartford
- New Haven
- Oklahoma City
- Albany, New York
- Bridgeport
- McAllen, Texas
- Springfield, Massachusetts
Outdoor Mold and Pollen are Big Allergy Triggers
Millions of people around the world suffer from allergies. Seasonal allergies in particular are usually triggered by pollen and mold outdoors. Allergens trigger those who are allergic, and their immune systems respond by releasing chemicals like histamine. This can lead to annoying symptoms like sneezing, itching, and red/watery eyes.
Pollen is a powder that’s released by plants to fertilize other plants. It’s mostly transported by the wind, so you can find it in the air and on surfaces. Inhaling pollen can cause your body to have an allergic reaction. When this happens, your immune system abnormally produces antibodies in response to it. These antibodies trigger mast cells to secrete histamine which leads to the telltale signs of an allergy.
Allergies can be caused by the presence of mold outdoors. It’s a type of fungus that grows on organic material such as leaves, grass, and soil. Mold spores are tiny and light and like pollen, can travel for miles on the breeze. Inhaling mold spores can trigger an allergic reaction, in the same way that pollen does.
Simple Ways to Combat Allergic Reactions
There are ways people can reduce their allergic reactions to outdoor mold and pollen. On days when the pollen count is high, it’s best to stay indoors. For maximum protection, you can also keep your windows closed and wear a mask if you’re doing any outdoor activities like gardening. To minimize the risk of growing mold, it’s important to keep your home spick and span and free from moisture. Plus, it’s also a good idea to take a shower at the end of the day to remove any excess pollen and mold which may end up on your pillow.
Contact Our Allergy and Asthma Physicians
If you continue to deal with allergies then please contact our Connecticut Shoreline Allergy team! Our allergists will be happy to help and evaluate your current conditions and offer you other options to make life more comfortable!
If you’d like to learn more about this 2022 report and its other findings then you may do so by clicking here.
