Report: Knoxville one of the top cities for aggravating allergies

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) -- A new report says Knoxville is one of the top 20 most challenging places to live with spring allergies in 2019.

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) publishes its report yearly and has done so since 2003 "to help patients recognize, prevent and manage allergy symptoms."

According to the report, Knoxville ranks twentieth on the top most challenging places to live with spring allergies this year; last year, Knoxville ranked 10. Another Tennessee city made the top 20. Memphis ranks number four.

The number one most challenging city is McAllen, Texas, while the 100 least challenging place is Denver, Colorado.

The AAFA gives some handy tips on how to handle pollen:

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• Limit outdoor activities
• Keep windows closed
• Use central air conditioning with HEPA air filtration
• Wear sunglasses when outdoors
• Wear a hat to cover your hair
• Take a shower and shampoo hair before going to bed
• Change and wash clothes after outdoor activities
• Dry laundry in a clothes dryer, not on an outdoor line
• Limit contact with pets that spend time outdoors
• Wipe pets off with a towel before they enter home
• Wash bedding in hot, soapy water once a week
• Remove your shoes before going inside

For more tips, read the full report here.