For those who suffer from allergies, moving may not be the answer to their problem. Over-the-counter medications, such as oral antihistamines and intranasal corticosteroids, may not be enough to provide relief from hay fever. Pollen, mold, and grasses may vary from place to place, but allergens that cause reactions can follow you wherever you go. Additionally, if you move to a different region, you may be exposed to a new set of allergy triggers.
Therefore, you may be exchanging one set of symptoms for another. If your allergies are severe in your current location, you may have considered relocating in order to feel better. Constant sneezing, stuffy nose, itchy eyes, and sinus infections can be enough for anyone to consider their options. Moving can be a good decision, but it can also make things worse over time.
Your body may find relief in a new location or you may acquire new allergies, exacerbating the allergy problem. You may be tempted to leave your current environment if you move to another part of the country during a sneezing fit. However, allergists advise against this because they say your symptoms are unlikely to improve once you move. People with allergic rhinitis (allergies) may develop new allergic triggers after relocating to a different area.
I would suggest discussing your symptoms with a board-certified allergist who can discuss treatment options before considering a move. If you plan on moving, spend some time in the new location, but understand that allergy symptoms may appear after living there for some time. Moving does not alleviate seasonal allergies. People who are allergic to pollen are usually sensitive to other substances as well.
Moving can provide relief from an allergy only to stimulate a reaction to another allergen, so it is generally not recommended as a solution. Moving to another suburb, city or even country is a big step if asthma or allergies are the only reason you are considering such a move. As you can see, the disadvantages of moving due to allergies seem to outweigh the benefits, especially if you are forced to risk your professional career due to the move. The Census Bureau reported that about 32 million people move each year, and the majority of those moves occur during the peak season (May through September).
