Common Big City Allergies

What are the common city allergies? It’s common for large cities to suffer from overpopulation and pollution. Every year the Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America publishes a list of cities every year. This list ranks cities according to the pollen count and the use of allergic medication.

Allergies occur when your immune system overreacts to allergens such as pollen and consider these substances harmful for the body. The body’s reaction to these harmless substances causes breathing problems, sneezing, and coughing, among other problems. As cities suffer from overpopulation, they contain numerous allergens, leading to negative reactions within the body. Below we will discuss some allergies that are common in big cities:

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1.    Seasonal Allergies

Seasonal allergies, such as hay fever, go by many names, one of which is allergic rhinitis. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology reports, about 8 percent of Americans experience seasonal allergy in the United States (Source).

When your body reacts with outdoor allergens, it triggers your immune system’s abnormal response and causes an allergic reaction. The most common seasonal allergens include pollen from weeds, grass, trees, and other sources. However, various plants consist of heavy pollens that do not trigger any allergic reaction.

The name hay fever comes from the season of hay cutting, which happens in the summer season. That is when many people living in big cities experience symptoms of hay fever. In winter, there are fewer chances for seasonal allergies to trigger.

Many people experience this condition throughout the year. Your condition depends on where you live and how severely your body reacts to allergens.

Symptoms

Here are some symptoms of seasonal allergies that you need to consider:

• Postnasal drainage
• Ear congestion
• Itchy ear canals, throat, and sinuses
• Itchy and water eyes
• Stuffy and runny nose
• Sneezing

Below you will find some less common signs of seasonal allergies:

• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath
• Headache

People who suffer from hay fever also develop asthma. Their condition gets worse when they have both conditions together, triggering an asthma attack.

2.    Pollen Allergies

Allergic people in the United States are mostly allergic to mold. You will find these substances near parks and areas with weeds, grasses, flowers, and trees. When a person allergic to pollen breathe in the tiny pollens from the air, their body’s immune system overreacts and develops these symptoms.

The immune system mostly defends your body from bacteria and viruses, but sometimes it overreacts to various substances called allergens. There are various symptoms of pollen allergies. The following symptoms are familiar:

• Watery eyes
• Stuffy nose
• Sneezing

3.    Food Allergies

Cities in the United States are full of restaurants and food chains. A massive population of people, on average, consumes a single meal from these restaurants every day. Most people are not aware of the ingredients used in making food.

When they consume it, they are allergic to it. Their body starts showing signs of allergy. Food allergies can cause severe symptoms, and sometimes, this can be life-threatening. Symptoms of food allergies can be mild and severe, depending on the condition of the person. Here are some of the symptoms and signs of food allergies:

• Teary eyes
• Runny nose
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Wheezing
• Itchy or red skin
• Skin rash
• Swelling of face and lips
• Burning sensation of mouth and lips
• Mouth tingling

You can avoid food allergic reaction by wearing a tag with a list of items you are allergic to and checking the ingredients of the food items you consume.

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4.    Mold Allergy

The spores of mold float in the air. Mold is a type of Fungi and found near damp areas. They live on four things food, suitable temperature, air, and water. You can also find mold outside your house in your garden. Breathing mold is standard, and in cities, everyone breathes the spores in. However, this can trigger your immune system if you are allergic to it.

The immune system treats molds as allergens and makes your body overly react to this harmless substance. Here are some of the symptoms and signs that you may experience during the allergic reaction to mold:

• Postnasal drip
• Itchy and watery eyes
• Congestion
• Coughing
• Sneezing

Many people confuse their mold allergy to a sinus infection or cold. However, symptoms of both the conditions are similar, but the causes are different.

Conclusion: Consult Dr. Sneeze bout Your Allergy

People living in cities are at a higher risk of developing allergies. So they need to care more and maintain their lifestyle. An immunologist can help you with your allergic conditions. They will help reduce the symptoms, allowing you to focus on your life.

If you are looking for an immunologist in New York City, consult top nyc allergist Dr. Boyan Hadjiev. He will provide a complete diagnosis and treatment plan for your allergies. To make an appointment, you can call us at 212-319-5282 or visit our website for more details about allergies. You can also consult with our doctor from anywhere around the world through our telemedicine services.

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Sources
https://www.webmd.com/allergies/food-triggers
https://www.aaaai.org/conditions-and-treatments/allergies/mold-allergy
https://www.healthline.com/health/allergies/mold-allergy-symptoms#symptoms
https://www.healthline.com/health/allergies/seasonal-allergies#symptoms
https://www.healthline.com/health/allergies/pollen#types
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/14384#food_allergy_symptoms