Triangle Ranks Eighth In Allergy Hotspots

poll

ranks the Triangle and Fayeteville as the eighth worst allergy hotspot in the country.

Officials say part of the reason is due to the rain the state has been getting. The spring has been wetter than most, so besides tree and grass pollen, molds are also growing out of control. Dr. David Henke, a researcher at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, said allergies are a yearround nuisance in the Triangle.

"This spring started early and continued longer I think than we've experienced in the past," he said. "There's probably not a week here [that] goes by when there isn't a potential bloom or something that can be a problem."

Henke said some people claim they did not have allergies until they moved to the Triangle.

"Year two, three, four here in the Triangle, [and] suddenly, they are having big problems," he said.

According to the poll, Louisville, Ky., is the worst allergy hotspot in the United States. Charlotte ranks at No. 5 and Greensboro came in at No. 15.

WRAL Health Team Dr. Allen Mask suggest that if you are having problems with allergies, you should start with an over-the-counter drug. Experts suggest keeping the windows closed in your car and house and shower immediately after spending time outside.