Greater Bridgeport one of 50 worst cities for allergies

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America ranked the country's biggest "allergy capitals," and three Connecticut cities made the top 50. Scroll through to see the list. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America ranked the country's biggest "allergy capitals," and three Connecticut cities made the top 50. Scroll through to see the list. Photo: Brian A. Pounds Photo: Brian A. Pounds Image 1 of / 77 Caption Close Greater Bridgeport one of 50 worst cities for allergies 1 / 77 Back to Gallery

Despite Monday's snowfall, it is, in fact, spring. And with spring, comes spring allergy season. And with spring allergy season comes the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America's list of the country's biggest "allergy capitals."

The foundation ranks the 100 most challenging metro areas in which to live with allergies in the United States. And, joy of joys, greater Bridgeport made the top 50. The city ranked 43rd — up a bit from last year's ranking of 48th.

Other allergy-unfriendly Connecticut cities included New Haven, which ranked 29th, and Hartford, which ranked 39th.

Scroll through the gallery above for the full list. Cities are ranked based on local pollen levels, use of over-the-counter and prescription allergy medication and the number of board certified allergists.

Nearly 45 million Americans are living with nasal allergies and 25 million have asthma. These patients already have a chronic sensitivity to things like pollen, mold and other airborne allergens, but they can also be more susceptible to rapid changes in temperature and moisture, and to catching a common cold or flu. The Asthma and Allergy foundation asserts that the kind of blending of spring and winter we're getting this year can be especially bad for the allergy prone, combing the worst conditions of both seasons.

For more about the list, visit www.allergycapitals.com.