Why Are Allergies in Las Vegas So Bad?
Las Vegas may be known for its nightlife and casinos but if you're an allergy sufferer, allergy symptoms such as sneezing, watery eyes, and itchy throats and sinus congestion can really put a damper on your trip. Several factors unique to Las Vegas exacerbate allergy symptoms. We'll take a look at a few reasons why allergies in Las Vegas are so bad and what you can do to make your trip more bearable.
Why Allergies Are So Bad in Las Vegas?
There are a few reasons why allergies in Las Vegas can feel worse. The city's arid desert climate exacerbates the frequency and severity of allergy symptoms. Pollution caused by heavy traffic on the Las Vegas Strip also contributes to aggravating respiratory conditions. Finally, certain trees such as mulberry and olive planted years ago can add to pollen in the air, making allergies unbearable.
The Dry Climate
Las Vegas's desert climate plays a significant role in the severity of allergies experienced by locals and tourists alike. Unlike more humid environments where mucus production helps trap and remove allergens naturally, the dry air in Las Vegas means there's less mucus being secreted by our bodies. This lack of natural defense allows allergens to freely enter our airways, aggravating symptoms like sneezing, itchy eyes, and runny noses.
Air Pollution's Role
Adding to the woes of allergy sufferers, the city’s air quality can often be poor due to heavy traffic on the Las Vegas Strip and strong spring winds which kick up dust and pollen. Pollutants irritate the airways, leading to increased discomfort during the allergy season for both allergy and asthma sufferers.
Mulberry & Olive Trees
Many homes sold in the 1960s in Las Vegas were sold with Mulberry trees. They don't require much water and so were used as street trees to provide shade. Unfortunately, female mulberry trees release high amounts of pollen and for this reason have been banned in the city. Similarly, certain olive trees have also been banned due to allergy concerns.
The Allergy Season
In Las Vegas, allergy season kicks off in the spring (March - May). Trees like mulberry and olive are the primary culprits, releasing large amounts of pollen that affect sensitive individuals. Interestingly, last year’s colder and longer winter delayed the onset of spring, resulting in a sudden and more intense release of pollen once the temperatures began to rise, leading to a higher pollen count.
National Rankings
The impact of allergies in Las Vegas is not just anecdotal but is also reflected in national rankings. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America’s Allergy Capitals report, Las Vegas ranked 35th among 100 metropolitan cities in 2024 with a score of 78.4, surpassing cities known for their challenging living conditions for allergy sufferers like Miami, Austin, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and New York.
Managing Allergies in Las Vegas
For those living in or visiting Las Vegas, managing allergy symptoms is crucial due to the unique environmental factors such as dry air and desert pollen. There are primarily three classes of allergy medications:
1. Antihistamines
Antihistamines are designed to block the effects of histamines, which are chemicals produced by the immune system during an allergic reaction. These reactions can cause symptoms like runny noses, sneezing, itching, and watery eyes.
Types of Antihistamines:
- First-generation antihistamines: These include medications like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton). They are effective but often cause drowsiness and are typically taken at bedtime.
- Second-generation antihistamines: These include medications like loratadine (Claritin), cetirizine (Zyrtec), and fexofenadine (Allegra). They are less likely to cause drowsiness and are usually taken once a day.
Usage Tips:
- Take antihistamines before allergy season begins to build up a defense against symptoms.
- Be mindful of potential drowsiness, especially with first-generation antihistamines, and avoid driving or operating heavy machinery if affected.
2. Decongestants
Decongestants help relieve nasal congestion by shrinking the swollen blood vessels in the nasal passages, allowing for better airflow and breathing.
Types of Decongestants:
- Oral decongestants: These include medications like pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) and phenylephrine (Sudafed PE). They work throughout the body to reduce nasal congestion.
- Nasal spray decongestants: These include oxymetazoline (Afrin) and phenylephrine nasal spray (Neo-Synephrine). They act directly on the nasal passages for quicker relief.
Usage Tips:
- Limit the use of nasal spray decongestants to no more than three days in a row to avoid rebound congestion, where symptoms can worsen.
- Be aware that oral decongestants can increase blood pressure and heart rate, so they should be used cautiously by individuals with hypertension or heart conditions.
3. Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids, often referred to as steroids, are anti-inflammatory medications that help reduce swelling and irritation in the airways. They are highly effective for long-term management of allergy symptoms.
Types of Corticosteroids:
- Nasal corticosteroids: These include fluticasone (Flonase), mometasone (Nasonex), and triamcinolone (Nasacort). They are commonly used for treating nasal allergy symptoms and are available over-the-counter.
- Inhaled corticosteroids: These are used primarily for asthma but can help with severe nasal allergies. Examples include fluticasone (Flovent) and budesonide (Pulmicort).
Usage Tips:
- For best results, use nasal corticosteroids regularly, not just when symptoms are present.
- It may take a few days to a week for nasal corticosteroids to start working effectively, so consistency is key.
Which Allergy Medication is Best for Allergies in Las Vegas?
For a dry climate like Las Vegas, the best allergy medications are typically a second-generation antihistamine such as:
- Loratadine | Claritin
- Cetirizine | Zyrtec
- Fexofenadine | Allegra
These medications are effective in relieving allergy symptoms like sneezing, itching, and runny nose without causing significant drowsiness and without drying out mucous membranes further, which is important in a dry climate. Additionally, pairing antihistamines with a nasal corticosteroid like fluticasone (Flonase) can provide full relief by reducing inflammation and congestion.
General Tips for Managing Allergies in Las Vegas
- Stay indoors on high pollen days: Check local pollen counts and try to stay indoors during peak times.
- Use air purifiers: An air purifier with a HEPA filter can help reduce indoor allergens.
- Shower and change clothes after being outside: This helps remove pollen that can stick to your skin and clothing.
- Keep windows closed: Use air conditioning to filter and cool indoor air instead of opening windows.
Allergies in Las Vegas: A Final Word
Living in or visiting Las Vegas requires a proactive approach to managing allergies. Understanding the unique factors that exacerbate allergy symptoms can help locals and visitors prepare better. Whether through medication, staying informed about pollen counts, or using air purifiers at home, there are ways to make the allergy season more bearable.
Allergies in Las Vegas: Products Mentioned
Major Loratadine 10 mg - 300 Tablets | Claritin
$13.99
Major Non-Drowsy Allergy Relief Loratadine 10 mg - 300 Tablets | Claritin Compare to the active ingredient in Claritin Loratadine 10 mg / Antihistamine -...… read more
Perrigo Cetirizine Hydrochloride 10 mg - 300 Tablets | Zyrtec
$15.99
Cetirizine is an antihistamine medication commonly used to relieve symptoms associated with allergies, such as hay fever (allergic rhinitis), hives (urticaria), and other allergic reactions. ...… read more
Major Fexofenadine Hydrochloride 24 Allergy Relief - 30 Tablets | Allegra
$8.99
Say goodbye to allergy symptoms with Major Fexofenadine Hydrochloride 24 Allergy Relief Tablets. This non-drowsy, long-lasting medication provides 24-hour relief from sneezing, runny nose, itchy...… read more
Major 12 Hour Nasal Decongestant Spray Oxymetazoline 0.05% - 1 fl oz | Afrin
$6.99
Major 12 Hour Nasal Decongestant Spray Oxymetazoline 0.05% - 1 fl oz | Afrin Major 12 Hour Nasal Decongestant Spray is the bestselling low-cost generic for...… read more
Rugby Budesonide Nasal Allergy Spray 32 mcg - 120 Sprays | Rhinocort
$12.99
Breathe Easier with Budesonide Nasal Spray Budesonide nasal spray delivers fast relief from congestion and sinus pressure. The active ingredient budesonide reduces inflammation and opens...… read more
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Disclaimer: This post is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your doctor or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or before starting any new treatment. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this post.
