Wichita, Kan: Most challenging city for allergy sufferers

Wichita, Kan., Jackson, Miss., and Knoxville, Tenn., lead the nation in being the "most challenging cities to live with fall allergies," an allergy group says. Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America officials said this fall could be a perfect storm for allergy sufferers, as global warming conditions boost ragweed levels, and fall storms and tornadoes disperse allergens and outdoor mold. The foundation said there are several factors that could make this fall allergy season particularly difficult: -- Recent studies suggest rising temperatures and carbon dioxide levels could be extending ragweed season by as much as a month or more especially in the northern U.S. states. -- Pollen from weeds is a greater problem in the fall than in the spring. -- Outdoor mold resulting from previous storms, including Superstorm Sandy, continues to grow and could be spread further by fall weather and wind patterns. This year's Fall Allergy Capitals report by the foundation ranks the most challenging U.S. cities to live in for those allergies. The remaining Top 10 challenging cities for allergy sufferers include: Louisville, Ky.; Memphis; McAllen, Texas, Baton Rouge, La.; Dayton, Ohio; Chattanooga, Tenn.; and Oklahoma City. The foundation says its ranking is an annual research and educational project designed to help patients recognize, prevent and safely treat allergy symptoms.