SPRING ALLERGIES START STRONG, LAST LONG Spring Allergy Capitals Report Ranks Most Challenging Cities

Extreme weather patterns may contribute to a severe and long allergy season this spring, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA). The 2013 Spring Allergy Capitals ™ report released today by AAFA – the 11th year of the report – ranks the most challenging cities to live with allergies in the United States. This new list shows the increased potential for severe and prolonged allergy symptoms as spring arrives early, and as many regions of the country recover from severe storms and flooding. For specific allergy risks in 100 U.S. cities and tips on managing allergy symptoms, visit www.AllergyCapitals.com. The report is an independent research project of AAFA sponsored by DYMISTA ™ (azelastine hydrochloride and fluticasone propionate), the first and only seasonal allergy spray to block histamine and treat inflammation for effective relief of seasonal allergy symptoms. "Severe weather patterns can bring higher temperatures, higher pollen levels and increased exposure to outdoor mold, resulting in spring allergies that can peak stronger and last longer, " said Bill Berger, MD, Allergy and Asthma Associates of Southern California. "Too often, people with seasonal allergies suffer silently while their symptoms worsen year after year. Allergy sufferers need to learn more about allergies and visit an allergy specialist for a proper diagnosis and treatment. Often more can be done to relieve allergy symptoms that interfere with daily life." Residents across the United States can expect more severe allergy conditions this year as an unusually wet winter and early warm temperatures lead to earlier tree pollination and higher levels of pollen and outdoor mold. Northern cities predicted to face a more challenging spring allergy season compared to one year ago include: Buffalo, NY (rising 1