By Johnny Duncan

Allergy is characterized by an overreaction of the human immune system to a foreign protein substance that is eaten, breathed into the lungs, injected or touched. This immune overreaction is more prevalent in Orlando according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), which ranked Orlando as the fifth out of 100 cities to be the most challenging place to live with fall allergies.

Orlando’s ranking is based on several factors including seasonal pollen, allergy medicine utilization per patient, and the number of allergists per patient. But why us? “Because we have an extended growing season,” says Dr. Jeffry Rocker, DO, Alafaya Woods Family Medical Center. “Obviously, the worst time for us is the spring and fall. Because of our latitude and high humidity, these weather conditions during pollination can affect the amount of pollen produced and distributed in a specific year.”

Dr. Sanjay Swami, MD, of First Coast Allergy and Asthma in Jacksonville adds, “Florida is warm throughout most of the year so grass pollen is present throughout much of the year and weed pollen levels rise in the summer and fall. Mold allergies also play a significant role in Florida due to our warm, moist climate.”

Many suffer here in Orlando because of our state’s moisture content. “The reason moisture correlates with allergen exposure,” explains Dr. Dennis Ledford, Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics, USF, “Relates to the source of allergens, which are generally from plants and fungi or molds. Both of these require significant moisture to survive and thrive. Furthermore, the most commonly identified indoor allergen is derived from dust mites which require a relative humidity of more than 60%, a condition that exists here year round. Air movement, particularly air from large bodies of water, diminishes allergens so that the problem is probably less on the East and West Coast compared to Central Florida.”

Reducing exposure to the things that trigger allergies is an option, but will not completely clear up your allergies. Some of the plants manufacture small, light, dry pollen granules that are custom-made for wind transport. Samples of ragweed pollen have been collected 400 miles out at sea and two miles high in the air. But, you can help to clean up your immediate environment by taking some simple steps.

“To cut down on exposure and reduce allergy symptoms,” says Dr. Rocker, “I recommend that people invest in a good air filtration system and change the filters regularly. Also, avoid carpets and drapes in the home, but if you have them you should steam-clean them on a regular basis.”

Dr. Swami recommends placing dust-mite proof covers on your pillow, mattress and box spring. “These are cloth covers that either have a plastic backing or are tightly woven. These covers trap dust mites already contained in your pillow, mattress, and box spring. You may place your regular bedding on top of these covers.”

Aside from cleaning up your environment and staying indoors as much as possible during the allergy seasons, there have also been advancements made in medicine for treating allergies. “Appropriate medications will make a major difference for most people,” states Dr. Ledford. “These include over the counter medicines and prescription therapies. Oral antihistamines are effective for itching and sneezing but not for congestion or wheezing. Loratidine is non-sedating and available without a prescription; cetirizine is slightly sedating and will be available early in 2008. Prescription nasal sprays containing either corticosteroids or antihistamines are very helpful for nasal symptoms.”

Even if you have allergies, Orlando is still a great place to live. As Dr. Ledford puts it, “Having allergies is usually a life-long condition. With understanding, simple avoidance measures and the appropriate therapy, most patients have minimal limitations imposed by their allergies.”