TULSA - Flowers are blooming which means allergy season is here.
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America says that Tulsa is ranked among the cities with the worst allergy seasons.
The foundation just released this year’s report of the worst places to live for those with spring allergies.
Some places have higher levels of pollen than others. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America ranked the nation's largest cities according to how much pollen they have, how many residents are seeking treatment for their symptoms and how easily they can access allergists.
Tulsa ranks 16th in the country for the worst allergies. Last year Tulsa ranked as 12. Currently Oklahoma City ranks seventh, dropping from the number three spot in the previous study.
Coming in first -- meaning -- the worst place for spring allergies: Jackson, Mississippi.
"The primary issue in Jackson and many cities in the south is the pollen," according to Dr. Cary Sennett, president of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.
Memphis, Tennessee scored the second spot.
Number three was a bit of a surprise -- Syracuse, New York -- which ranked 20th last year. Meteorologists in Syracuse blame a warmer than usual winter.
"Syracuse has had its 6th warmest winter spanning from December to February. As of today, we're also four feet shy of our normal snow total," said Molly Matott, meteorologist with WSTM in Syracuse.
The prime time for sneezing, according to doctors, is when flowers and trees begin to bloom. Doctors say the arrival of pollen usually brings an influx of patients suffering from typical spring allergy symptoms.
"In the last two weeks even, we've been seeing a lot of patients coming in with itchy eyes, stuffy nose, coughing," said Dr. Purvi Parikh, allergy and asthma specialist.
To find some relief -- an allergist can help pinpoint allergy triggers and prescribe medication.
You can also cut down on pollen exposure by showering and changing clothes when you come home for the day and wiping down your pets.
Or consider a trip to Daytona Beach, which is the city ranked as the best place to breathe easy during spring allergy season.
Visit www.allergycapitals.com for a full list of cities.
