Ask Caray: Does the Ohio Valley make allergies worse?
Spring is just around the corner and that's never good news for those who suffer from allergies.
There's a long-held belief that living in the Ohio Valley makes those allergies worse, but is that actually the case?
If you've ever heard that the Ohio Valley is a terrible area for allergy sufferers, you may be right. WLKY spoke with a local doctor about why this area could be problematic for those with allergies.
Those who live in the region know the signs all too well: runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes. The allergies are flaring up, and guess what? You're not crazy if you think they hit you harder in the Ohio Valley.
According to Dr. Sean Miller, there are three basic reasons why it's true.
"We are in a bowl or a basin, a river valley which has obviously the effect of trapping air and trapping particles and trapping things like mold and spores which cause allergies," Miller said.
Reason No. 2 is the type of vegetation in the area.
"We are surrounded by plants that produce allergies, things like bluegrass produces a lot of pollen and spores... trees like oak and birch and ragweed," he said.
And lastly, the humidity is a contributor.
"We are in a warm part of the world and a warm part of the country, so humidity and rain contribute to the moisture which contributes to the development of fungus and mold and things that are also allergens," Miller said.
So if you suffer from allergies, to mitigate them, Miller suggests using HEPA filters at home or wearing a mask if you're going to be exposing yourself to a high amount of allergens.
And Miller says if you're really struggling with your allergies even after taking over-the-counter medication, you should see a doctor.
