Las Vegas is 19th Worst City for Allergy Sufferers

19. Las Vegas, Nev.
Pollen Score: Worse than Average
Medicine Utilization per Patient: Worse than Average
Board-Certified Allergists per Patient: Average
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Back in April 2007, Forbes Magazine published information from the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. A not-for-profit organization that provides information, community-based services and a support network, it ranked the worst cities for allergies based on three factors: pollen counts, medication usage by allergy patients and the number of board-certified allergists per patient. Las Vegas, NV was ranked 19th worst, with Tulsa, OK ranked #1.

Is it Time to Move?
One of the reasons the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America first began tracking in 2003 the intensity of seasonal allergies was because the group was getting so many calls from people asking where they should move to avoid them. The goal was to put research behind its answers.
But while it's helpful, for instance, for people with tree pollen allergies to know that the Southeast might not be a great place for them to live, relocating won't solve most sufferers' problems.
Most people tend to have more than one trigger, something they may not realize until they move to another city and are exposed to different allergens. People with tree pollen allergies could move to Seattle, for example, where the tree pollen count is much lower, only to find out they're also allergic to mold, a significant problem in the Northwest.
Some seek solace in places like Nevada and Arizona. But Dr. Michael Daines, an immunologist and assistant professor in pediatrics at the University of Arizona in Tucson, says the people who initially moved to the desert to escape their allergies basically brought allergens with them, planting Bermuda grass and other non-native plants.
So, the message is … unfortunately, you can’t outrun your allergies. All you can do is manage them the best that you can.