2008 FALL ALLERGY CAPITALS™ REVEAL
MOST CHALLENGING U.S. CITIES FOR ALLERGY SUFFERERS

– No Place is Free From Allergies in America, According to The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America –

WASHINGTON, D.C., Sept . 4, 2008 -- The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) announced today its 2008 Fall Allergy Capitals ™. The annual research project ranks the fall’s 100 most challenging cities to live for people with upper respiratory allergies. The top five cities are: Greensboro, NC (1); Greenville, SC (2); Little Rock, AR (3); Raleigh-Durham, NC (4); and Jackson, MS (5).*

While many American’s associate allergies with the springtime, this is not the only time you can get a runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing, or nasal congestion from upper respiratory allergies. In fact, the most common seasonal allergy trigger, ragweed, is usually found in the fall. The Fall Allergy Capitals research also shows that overall pollen concentrations have increased in the top allergy cities. These pollen increases can make fall a very difficult time for the more than 36 million Americans who suffer from seasonal allergies.

No matter where a city ranks on the list of Fall Allergy Capitals, it’s important for people to know if their hometown or area is included. “Whether a city is ranked number 100 on the Allergy Capitals list or number one, it’s essential for allergy sufferers to take the appropriate steps to manage their allergies,” says Mike Tringale, Director of External Affairs at AAFA. “Allergy sufferers should know what allergens trigger their symptoms and , if appropriate, manage them by taking a medication that can alleviate both outdoor and indoor allergies.”

In addition to outdoor allergies, people may suffer during the fall from indoor allergies caused by common allergy triggers like pet dander and dust mites. R agweed and pollen can also travel indoors through open windows and doors. Upper respiratory allergies, which can be caused by both indoor and outdoor allergy triggers, can be a significant challenge for people year round.

To help allergy suffers enjoy indoor and outdoor activities this fall, AAFA is directing people to www.AllergyCapitals.com. By visiting the website, Americans can learn if their city is an Allergy Capital and get information about allergy symptoms, how to reduce exposure to triggers, and how to better treat their symptoms.

Danica Schulte, M.D., of Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, has seen many allergy sufferers head indoors each fall in an attempt to escape their worst allergy triggers. “Many patients come to me because they’re tired of missing out on outdoor activities they enjoy and I assure them that they shouldn’t have to,” Dr. Schulte says.

About The Allergy Capitals™
The Allergy Capitals is an annual research project of AAFA to identify “the 100 most challenging places to live with allergies” in the spring and fall seasons. The top 25 Fall Allergy Capitals for 2008 are (go to www.AllergyCapitals.com for complete list):

1. Greensboro, NC
2. Greenville, SC
3. Little Rock, AR
4. Raleigh-Durham, NC
5. Jackson, MS
6. Knoxville, TN
7. Grand Rapids, MI
8. Wichita, KS
9. Oklahoma City, OK
10. Madison, WI
11. Tulsa, OK
12. Chattanooga, TN
13. Birmingham, AL
14. New Orleans, LA
15. Harrisburg, PA
16. Augusta, GA
17. Louisville, KY
18. San Antonio, TX
19. Columbia, SC
20. Charlotte, NC
21. Memphis, TN
22. Des Moines, IA
23. Scranton, PA
24. St. Louis, MO
25. Bridgeport, CT

The rankings are based on scientific analysis of three factors for 100 metro areas. The data measured and compared each year includes:

• Pollen scores (airborne grass/tree/weed pollen and mold spores)*
• Number of allergy medications used per patient
• Number of allergy specialists per patient

This year's report indicates that m ore than fifty percent of the United States’ population lives in one of the 100 Fall Allergy Capital cities. However, Greensboro, NC is ranked number one this year due to a higher-than-average pollen score, higher use of allergy medications per person, and lower-than-average access to allergy specialists, compared to other cities on the list.

About Allergies
More than 36 million Americans suffer from indoor and outdoor allergic rhinitis, also known as upper respiratory allergies. Allergies are caused when a person's immune system overreacts to normally harmless substances. These substances are often referred to as triggers. People can encounter indoor and outdoor allergy triggers anytime throughout the year that can lead to allergy symptoms. Indoor allergies can occur year-round and are triggered by substances such as mold, dust mites, and pet dander. These allergens are often inhaled through the nose and mouth, putting the allergens in contact with the immune cells in the lining of the nose, mouth, throat, and airways of the lungs causing an allergic response. Similarly, outdoor allergies can occur when allergens such as pollen from grasses, weeds and trees are inhaled through the nose and mouth into the lungs causing an allergic response. Those who suffer from outdoor allergies are often affected by allergies in the spring and fall. Symptoms for both indoor and outdoor allergies can include itchy, watery eyes, itchy nose or throat, sneezing and runny nose.

About The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, a not-for-profit organization founded in 1953, is the leading patient organization for people with asthma and allergies, and the oldest and largest asthma and allergy patient group in the world. AAFA provides practical information, community based services and support through a national network of chapters and support groups. AAFA develops health education, organizes state and national advocacy efforts and funds research to find better treatment and cures. Visit www.aafa.org to learn more.

*AAFA is solely responsible for the identification and ranking of the Fall Allergy Capitals list.

** “Pollen score” is comprised of compressive recorded levels of airborne grass/tree/weed pollen and mold spores, and prevalence data for each of these specific types of allergens.