Anyone getting hit hard by allergies this year? (Phoenix: live, professionals)

[Ritchie_az]

Originally Posted by Palenaka

Awesome! That's great news

I'm not an expert, but I believe the slightly above average rainfall plus general lack of new construction kept a lot of the dust down. If I remember correctly, harsher fines and more strict dust-control rules were implemented a few years back, but I could be wrong--I've read a lot of different things--and maybe that had an effect.
In any event, the air quality in Phoenix is often exaggerated and misunderstood. But it's still good to know 2010 was a "better" year in that regard.

[43north87west]

Not bad for me. Compared to the allergies that I used to get back east, I hardly have any. If I drive all day with the windows open, or sleep on the couch next to an open patio door, then I will have a little bit of a scratchy throat and red eyes, but that's about as far as it goes. I can feel a slight burn in my sinuses, but nothing that would prompt me to take any medication.

Phoenix is heaven compared to the misery I used to have to endure for months at a time.

[NoSnakesMan]

Originally Posted by EnicAZ

It could be helpful to wear some sort of mouth guard breathing mechanism if you have to go outside. I use one on a regular basis.

I have seen more and more people using these. With the frequency of the pollution warnings, it makes sense for people if they have to be outside for a long time.

[Valley Native]

Dry air is not good for allergies because it allows more dust, pollution, and other irritants to become more widespread. This winter has been horrible due to the lack of rain, low humidity, and all the wind. Lately, the afternoon humidity readings have been under 10%, and this is more typical for June than February! It's not a normal winter in many aspects ... so if you're allergic to dust and other irritants, then Phoenix is not the ideal location right now.

[PhoenixAirConcerns]

Originally Posted by scratchNsniff

I came out here to look at some places to buy and have been plagued by a horrible cough the whole time. Is it the dryness in the air? Pollution? A cold?? Did I get pertussis? Allergies? Should I rethink my decision to move back here??? Oy vey...

It's a common thing for people who do not do enough research about the air quality problems in the Phoenix area. There are many possible sources in the air which could be the underlying cause. Do some research on Valley Fever.

What are some of the other symptoms you have?

[EnicAZ]

Originally Posted by Valley Native

Dry air is not good for allergies because it allows more dust, pollution, and other irritants to become more widespread. This winter has been horrible due to the lack of rain, low humidity, and all the wind. Lately, the afternoon humidity readings have been under 10%, and this is more typical for June than February! It's not a normal winter in many aspects ... so if you're allergic to dust and other irritants, then Phoenix is not the ideal location right now.

I have heard many people talking about the same thing. Many people's allergies act up, and the respiratory illnesses such as Valley fever take hold under such conditions. Necessary precautions can be helpful, such as wearing masks outdoors and only being outside when you have to be.

[PhoenixAirConcerns]

Originally Posted by PheenixJobless

The air problems just seem to get worse and worse here. I can see why so many have to leave to avoid the breathing issues.

More and more recognition has come to the air quality problems here. The more people join in to fight, the quicker we can stop this problem from getting worse.

Please join the fight to preserve our health. Resources are available throughout the Internet.

[Xica_da_Silva]

I've never suffered much from allergies, fortunately. But last spring (my first year in my house) when my next door neighbor's Mulberry started blooming...OMG I couldn't stop coughing, sneezing, etc. It was so weird. Anyhow, it's a beautiful tree but it made me feel sympathy for all those who suffer! I've heard the Mulberry trees are especially allergenic, too.

Good luck to all of you who have allergies. I know it must be difficult, and from what I understand, the treatments(shots, etc.) are not always covered even if you're lucky enough to have medical insurance. And as I understand it, it's expensive!

[phxgreenfire]

Originally Posted by DixieWrecked

My allergies have been really bad this year, worse than ever before

That user name is hilarious

[EnicAZ]

Originally Posted by NoSnakesMan

I have seen more and more people using these. With the frequency of the pollution warnings, it makes sense for people if they have to be outside for a long time.

People need to do what they have to do for this. As the air quality has worsened over the years, people adapt. The way in which the Pheonxi air gets worse poses serious problems for people's health according to the studies.