Chicagoans Susceptible as Allergies Increase in U.S.

Are you reaching for tissues this allergy season more often than in the past? If so, you’re probably not alone.

Allergies are on the rise across the country, and Chicago is among the worst big cities for allergy sufferers, according to a large, nationwide study by Quest Diagnostics that spanned four years.

“Because we’re near Lake Michigan, and due to the way the wind tends to blow, Chicago tends to hold pollen more than other major cities. The pollen doesn’t sweep through as easily,” said Dr. Mary K. Tobin, director of the Section of Allergy and Immunology at Rush University Medical Center. “Also, we have a high amount of diesel fumes from trucks and construction vehicles. Poor air quality increases sensitivity to allergens.”

According to the Quest study, which is based on the assessment of two million blood samples, allergy sensitization rose nearly 6 percent from 2005-08. During that span, sensitization to ragweed rose 15 percent and mold sensitization went up 12 percent.

One in five Americans suffer from allergies, according to the study, and the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America reports that allergies account for more than 17 million doctor visits, 30,000 emergency room visits and several hundred deaths each year.

And Chicagoans reportedly suffer more than most people. The Quest Diagnostics study ranks Chicago seventh on a list of the worst large U.S. cities for allergies.

Tobin has noticed an increase in patient symptoms this year, along with patients experiencing symptoms for the first time.

“People are feeling more symptoms at higher intensity because of the amount of pollen,” Tobin said. “Right now we’re having high tree, grass and mold, and the concentration of the three together can increase the amount of symptoms.”

Many factors play a role in making one allergy season worse than another. Chicago had a fairly cold winter, and Tobin hoped that would knock down pollen levels, but February’s blizzard and a rainy spring haven’t helped. The moisture, combined with sudden bursts of warm weather in the spring, created a robust growing season, leading to more plants producing more pollen, according to Tobin.

Erratic weather patterns, meanwhile, force your body to continually adjust.

“When it warms up and cools down, pollination starts and stops, so immune systems dont know how to react and you end up feeling worse,” Tobin said.

Tobin recommends a non-sedating, over-the-counter antihistamine for people who have mild allergies or who are experiencing symptoms for the first time. If that isn’t enough, she suggests seeing your primary care physician or an allergist, who may prescribe a topical nasal steroid.

There are also several medication-free ways to cope with symptoms:

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