spring allergies (Portland, Eugene: live, airport, moving to)

[dadr]

According to a recent report by the Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America, Portland rates pretty low in terms of springtime allergies (93/100 cities). This runs somewhat contrary to what I've heard and read on these forums. My wife has significant springtime allergies (probably to tree pollen and some grasses) and has lived in New England, Chicago and Minneapolis and experienced similar allergies all these places. Anyone with similar patterns/experiences who can comment on springtime allergies when moving to Portland from these areas?

[ang08]

I have lived in Vancouver WA (15 min from Portland) most of my life with allergies and asthma. For me (and many people I know) mid-to late Spring and early Summer can be pretty bad for "hay fever". I am allergic to pollen and grass as well. My son is very allergic to grass and for a few weeks a year (right now as a matter of fact) he is miserable with itchy eyes. That being said, once "real" summer hits (around July) the allergies really slow down for most. So I think that the allergy season is relatively short. We are considering a move to TX and allergies are supposedly worse there, although my allergist said you cannot get away from allergies and don't make a decision on whether or not to move based on that. Just FYI. Good luck!

[suncat]

I get mild-to-moderate allergies in March and June, due to the tree and grass pollens respectively. The further south you go in the Willamette Valley, the worse it typically gets. This is not only true for me, but I've heard countless other people say the same thing. I lived in Eugene for four years, and it was much worse for me down there.

I never had allergies when I lived in Los Angeles, but I do get similar reactions when I visit the Mid-Atlantic region during the springtime.

I'm highly allergic to whatever is growing around Minneapolis, and I've never even stepped outside the airport there. I just start sneezing to beat the band whenever my plane descends during the spring and summer months.