Why Allergies Are So Bad in Tennessee | Covenant Allergy and Asthma

Each year, it seems that multiple Tennessee cities and towns rank among the worst locations for allergy sufferers. Chattanooga frequently makes it to the top ten or even top five US cities with the worst allergy seasons. As we approach another Fall allergy season, Covenant Allergy and Asthma wants to review some of the reasons allergies tend to be such a serious problem in our state.

Tennessee experiences a longer pollen and ragweed season than most other parts of the United States. Our longer summers coupled with more mild winters mean allergens stick around for most of the year.

Our state typically has an excessively high pollen count. For example, the threshold for a “high pollen count” usually begins at 120. It’s not unusual for Chattanooga and other cities in Tennessee to reach a pollen count of 3,000! That’s a pollen count that’s 25 times the basic guideline for high!

Tennessee also has a higher concentration of trees, grass, flowers, and weeds compared to most other states. That large variety of plant life only adds to our high pollen counts. Other reasons for our excessive pollen? Our basic environmental conditions like light wind, high humidity with our warm temperatures add to making this a breeding ground for pollen.

What types of pollen are the biggest problems in Tennessee? It’s typically tree pollen in the Spring, grass pollen in the Summer, and ragweed in the late Summer through the Fall.

Another reason allergies tend to be more of a problem in Tennessee is the terrain. Triggers like pollen and air pollutants tend to settle into the valleys. In fact, our mix of mountains and valleys can encourage winds to drop back and get “stuck” in the Valley, constantly stirring up allergens as a result.

With all of these factors, it’s no wonder that so many people who move to Tennessee from other parts of the country are often quite shocked to experience bad allergies down here for the first time. If you’re having trouble with new allergies, or simply not managing your existing ones, contact Covenant Allergy and Asthma today. You can visit our website to learn more about our services.