These Are the Top 10 Worst Places in the U.S. for People With Allergies

Fact checked by Nick Blackmer

Key Takeaways

• The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) released a new report on the 10 “most challenging places to live with allergies.”

• The report confirms that allergy season is starting earlier and may be more intense in 2024.

• People living in allergy hotspots should take extra steps to protect themselves from tree pollen during the spring and get a head-start on their allergy treatments, experts said.
  

When it comes to allergies, some regions in the United States have it worse than others. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) has released a report showing the country’s 10 worst “allergy capitals.”

However, even outside these capitals, allergies affect many people, especially in the spring. The new AAFA report states that allergies affect more than 100 million Americans, putting them among the most common medical conditions in the country.

“We see allergies in about one-quarter of the population,” William Reisacher, MD, otolaryngic allergist at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian, told Verywell.

Over-the-counter (OTC) medications often help people with allergies, but several lifestyle modifications can also bring relief, Kenneth Mendez, president and CEO of AAFA, told Verywell. “There are a number of ways to manage symptoms,” which may be particularly helpful if you live in an allergy hotspot, he said.

The key, Mendez added, is often getting ahead of allergy season by preparing before pollen counts in your area are at their worst. “[People should] start taking allergy treatments before pollen season begins,” he said. “Most allergy treatments work best when taken this way.”

Related: How Seasonal Allergy Symptoms Feel

The 10 Worst Cities for People With Allergies

The AAFA analyzed data from the top 100 most-populated metropolitan areas in the United States, taking into account each city’s pollen scores (for tree, grass, and weed pollen), OTC allergy medication use in the city, and the number of allergy specialists who practice there.

They concluded that the following 10 places are the “most challenging places to live with allergies:”

1. Wichita, Kansas

2. Virginia Beach, Virginia

3. Greenville, South Carolina

4. Dallas, Texas

5. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

6. Tulsa, Oklahoma

7. Richmond, Virginia

8. Des Moines, Iowa

9. Raleigh, North Carolina

10. Fayetteville, Arkansas

When Does Allergy Season Start in 2024?

Allergy season patterns vary depending on where you live, but tree pollen season usually begins in late February and continues through May for many people in the United States, Mendez said. Trees are usually to blame for allergies that start around this time of year.

“In the spring, tree pollen is the most common allergen triggering allergy symptoms,” Mendez said. “As temperatures warm in spring months, trees begin to release pollen.

During the summer, other allergens strike: “Grasses take over in June and July,” Reisacher said. If grasses don’t typically bother you, you may see some relief from symptoms then.

If you think your allergies are starting earlier than they used to, you may be right: “We’re seeing tree pollen season start about 20 days earlier than it did just 30 years ago,” Mendez explained. “So, nationally, we’re noticing an earlier start to tree pollen release.”

2024 was no exception to the trend. “This year, due to generally milder weather in February, pollen release began about two weeks earlier than usual, and pollen counts were higher than average during that time, according to the National Park Service,” Mendez said.

Related: How to Get Relief From Allergies: Management, Prevention, and Treatment

Why Are My Allergies So Bad Right Now?

In addition to lasting longer, springtime allergy symptoms may be more intense than in past years due to higher pollen counts.

Springtime allergies can exacerbate allergic asthma, which is the most common type of asthma, Mendez said. “The longer pollen seasons can be especially difficult for people with allergic asthma, he explained, because pollen allergies “can also trigger asthma symptoms.”

Another condition called oral allergy syndrome (OAS) can flare during springtime allergy season, Mendez added. “If you have symptoms of an allergic reaction in your mouth or throat when you eat certain fruits, vegetables, or nuts, it may be related to a pollen allergy,” he explained.

“OAS happens because some tree, grass, or weed pollen is similar to the protein in some fruits, vegetables, and nuts, [and] your immune system gets confused and can’t tell the difference between the two.” OAS may cause your lips, tongue, mouth, or throat to swell or itch, and common triggers include cherries, pears, and apples, Mendez said.

Related: How Do You Know If You Have Allergies?

How Are Springtime Allergies Treated?

Many people see their allergy symptoms improve after taking steps to keep pollen out of their homes.

The new AAFA report recommends doing the following to lessen allergy symptoms:

• Change and wash your clothes after spending time outside

• Take your shoes off before coming inside your home

• Shower before going to bed

• Keep your windows closed during peak pollen times (usually midday)

• Clean your bedding, floors, and fabric furniture weekly

• Clean your blinds, curtains, and washable rugs monthly

• Wipe down pets before letting them come inside

• Bathe outdoor pets weekly

• Use air conditioning or air purifiers when possible

Several OTC medications may also help, Mendez said, including:

• Saline nasal rinse, like a neti pot

• Corticosteroid nose sprays, like Flonase (fluticasone)

• Allergy eye drops, like Alaway (ketotifen fumarate)

• Antihistamines, like Benadryl (diphenhydramine)

• Decongestants, like Sudafed (pseudoephedrine)

It’s best to speak with a healthcare provider before adding new medications to your routine, as some may cause complications for people with certain health conditions, Mendez said. For example, he added, you should “check with your doctor before using decongestants if you have high blood pressure, glaucoma, thyroid disease, or trouble urinating.”

These interventions don’t always work, Mendez said. “If your symptoms are not managed with OTC medicines or worsen, you should see a doctor,” he said. “Consulting with an allergist can help you develop an allergy treatment plan specific to you and your seasonal allergy triggers.” Your doctor may recommend immunotherapy in the form of allergy shots or sublingual treatment (allergy drops), Mendez explained.

What This Means For You

For many in the United States, springtime allergy season is lasting longer and becoming more intense. Symptoms may be challenging for people who live in allergy hotspots, where pollen counts are high, and there is a lack of specialists who can treat allergies. Many over-the-counter medications can help with allergy symptoms, and some lifestyle modifications can help keep pollen out of your home.

Read the original article on Verywell Health.