The snowstorm is over, but don’t forget the year-round allergic suffering.
Dr. Kirk Waibel, an allergist at Aspire Allergy & Sinus, told MySA.com that he was not surprised to see San Antonio enter the Top 20 of The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America’s annual ranking of the most challenging places to live with allergies. The city of Alamo ranked 14th, dropping seven places in its 2020 ranking.
It may seem that the drop in rank is a good thing, but San Antonio’s overall score was not far from seventh place – Springfield, MA was at 84.28 while ours was at 81. The report looks at three key factors in ranking – pollen scores in spring and autumn, use of over-the-counter medications and availability of allergists. The study, which dates from 2003, determines the ranking based on data available 12 months earlier.
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“As allergy patients know, San Antonio has some unique characteristics that are not found in many places,” said Waibel in explaining why the city continues to fall in the Top 20. “Specifically, we have a long season of trees that starts with ash , then moves to oak pollen (think of all that yellow substance that coats your car every spring) and then elm, blackberry and others come along. “
In addition, Waibel said that the warmer months and increased urbanization in San Antonio resulted in the fall, beginning early in the year during the summer and continuing through November. And, of course, he observed the dreaded mountain cedar season (which runs from December to February).
“So individuals with environmental allergies never have a rest here in South Texas. Apart from last week’s snowmaggedon, we really don’t have a ‘real winter’ when there is no pollen in the air like other cities,” said Waibel.
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While the snowstorm killed plant life, Waibel believes it was not strong enough to kill old, deep-rooted trees in San Antonio. Therefore, allergies will continue in the area, he said.
It is important to note that the study by The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America reports that climate change caused extreme weather events – such as heat waves and droughts – in 2020 in the U.S. Spring in the USA is 2 degrees warmer on average, while autumn is 2.5 degrees warmer on average. This could be a problem, as warmer and longer seasons can result in allergy-causing trees and plants moving into new areas, the report noted.
In Texas, the other two cities that entered the Top 20 are McAllen (No. 4) and Dallas (No. 19). Scranton, PA landed first.
To help overcome seasonal allergies, Aspire Allergy & Sinus Center recommends taking over-the-counter medications before starting the day and washing your hands, face and changing clothes after you leave. You should also avoid exercising outdoors in the early morning, when the pollen count is highest. If your symptoms get worse, consult your local allergist for more information.
Priscilla Aguirre is a reporter in charge of MySA.com | [email protected] | @CillaAguirre