'Fall Allergy Capital' Report Cites Ragweed, Mold as Biggest Seasonal Triggers

Fall is just around the corner and with it a new set of allergens. In preparation of the upcoming season, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) has published this year's report Fall Allergy Capitals report.

Ragweed pollen is poised to be this fall's biggest allergy trigger, the report states, followed by outdoor mold.

"This fall could be a perfect storm for allergy sufferers, as global weather conditions boost ragweed levels, and fall storms and tornadoes disperse allergens and outdoor mold," the report explains.

Included on the list are the 100 most populated, consolidated metropolitan areas within the continental US, with the ranking based on the number of allergy medications used and board-certified allergists per patient.

Topping the list this year with a perfect "100" pollen is Wichita, Kan. The news represents a promotion for the city that ranked in second place last year. Local pollinators to steer clear from, according to the report, include amaranth, goosefoot, marsh elder, ragwood and sage.

In second place and up from fourth from last year's report is Jackson, Miss. with a score of 96.44. In third and with a score of 94.32 is Knoxville Tenn., which, like Jackson, is home to amaranth, marsh elder, ragweed and plantain.

Other cities that made it in the top 10 include McAllen, Texas; Baton Rouge, La.; Dayton, Ohio; Chattanooga, Tenn. and Oklahoma City, Okla.

Those areas predicted to cause citizens the least amount of frustration this season, in contrast, are Portland, Ore.; Sacramento, Calif.; Stockton, Calif.; Colorado Springs, Colo.; Daytona Beach, Fla.; San Jose, Calif.; Denver, Colo.; Boise, Idaho; Daytona Beach, Fla. and San Jose, Calif.

The report, sponsored by the nasal spray Dymista, isn't necessarily designed to tell people the best cities to live, but rather where people should be extra vigilant in making sure they are receiving any needed treatment.

"Don't move; improve," Mike Tringale, vice president of external affairs at AAFA, told USA Today. "Improve your understanding of your diagnosis and your treatment. Improve your knowledge about how to avoid allergy triggers and reduce allergens in your home."