The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), a leading patient advocacy organization in the United States representing nearly 61 million Americans who experience asthma or allergies, has released its annual Spring Allergy CapitalsTM report. The report identifies the 100 most challenging places to live with spring allergies in the U.S. Jackson, MS is the most challenging U.S. city to live for the second year in a row based on higher than average pollen scores, higher than average medication usage, and availability of board- certified allergists in the area. The other top ten cities include #2 Memphis, TN; #3 Syracuse, NY; #4 Louisville, KY; #5 McAllen, TX; #6 Wichita, KS; #7 Oklahoma City, OK; #8 Providence, RI; #9; Knoxville, TN; #10 Buffalo, NY. To view the complete list of cities, visit www.AllergyCapitals.com.

AAFA's Spring Allergy Capitals report is an independent research project of AAFA and sponsored by DYMISTA® (azelastine hydrochloride and fluticasone propionate) Nasal Spray distributed by Meda Pharmaceuticals. "AAFA's annual Spring Allergy Capitals report provides important insights into cities where people are most affected by seasonal symptoms due to environmental factors such as pollen, behaviors such as allergy medication usage and the availability of board-certified clinicians," says Cary Sennett, MD, PhD, FACP AAFA's President and CEO. "Whether you live in one of these allergy capitals or anywhere else, it's important to work with your health care providers to recognize the elements that trigger your allergies and determine the best treatments to enjoy your life unencumbered by seasonal nasal allergies."

Achieve Allergy Relief No Matter Where You Live

More than 50 million Americans with seasonal nasal allergies are expecting - and dreading - runny and congested noses, inflamed sinuses, relentless sneezing and other symptoms associated with springtime allergies. The warm weather will drive people outdoors to face one of the season's biggest problems, tree pollen, so children and adults with seasonal allergies should plan ahead.

"Many different types of seasonal nasal allergy treatments are available, including prescription medications and new combination therapies, mono-therapies, short- and long-term treatments that may help relieve symptoms," explains Dr. Purvi Parikh, a board-certified adult and pediatric allergist and immunologist and Clinical Instructor of Medicine and Pediatrics at New York University School of Medicine. "Because spring is the time when most people with allergies experience their worst seasonal allergy symptoms, it's important that allergy sufferers seek advice from a health care professional before the season hits full force."

"Many people suffer miserably in the spring with seasonal nasal allergies, which can impact one's ability to sleep and be productive in school or on the job," added Dr. Parikh. "It's important to see a health care professional early, before the season hits full force, so you're armed with the tools and medicines that provide the most effective symptom relief for you and your family."

About the Research

The Spring Allergy CapitalsTM ranking is an annual research and educational project of AAFA, designed to help patients recognize, prevent and safely treat allergy symptoms. Through this ranking, AAFA raises awareness about the impact of seasonal allergies and provides helpful information designed to improve the quality of life for people who experience them. The ranking is based on local pollen levels, use of allergy medication and the number of Board Certified allergists in each metro area.