Allergy season is upon us, and it’s not exactly mild this year. As the American Lung Association points out, changing weather patterns are allowing plants to flourish where they didn’t before, which means more pollen—and possibly even new types of pollen in the mix.
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) has just published its yearly allergy report, pinpointing the cities that present the toughest challenges for those with seasonal allergies.
This report examines pollen levels from trees, grass, and weeds over the year, along with the usage of over-the-counter allergy meds and the availability of certified allergists.
This year’s “allergic capital” title goes to Wichita, Kansas, marking its third consecutive year at the top. The primary reason? It struggles with above-average tree and grass pollen levels.
Top 10 Allergy Capitals
- Wichita, Kansas
- New Orleans, Louisiana
- Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
- Tulsa, Oklahoma
- Memphis, Tennessee
- Little Rock, Arkansas
- Raleigh, North Carolina
- Richmond, Virginia
- Greenville, South Carolina
- Greensboro, North Carolina
With new varieties of pollen emerging, even those who haven’t had allergies in the past may find themselves affected.
Dr. Purvi Parikh, an expert in allergies and immunology at NYU Langone, chatted with Fox News Digital about how to manage allergies as seasons change.
1. Stay proactive with medication
For anyone grappling with seasonal allergies, Parikh advises starting medication early. “One crucial tip is to use antihistamines that last for 24 hours. They’re excellent for controlling symptoms,” she noted. Eye drops and nasal sprays can help with itchy eyes and stuffy noses, respectively.
It’s important to keep an eye out for more serious symptoms, too. “If you’re experiencing coughing, wheezing, or chest tightness, you might be dealing with asthma,” she cautioned, suggesting a visit to a healthcare professional if that happens.
2. Change and wash your clothes
After being outdoors, it’s a good idea to change your clothes and shower to wash off pollen and reduce exposure. Also, washing your sheets weekly can help cut down on allergens.
3. Monitor pollen timing
Since pollen counts are usually highest in the morning, Parikh recommends staying indoors during those early hours. “It’s best to keep windows closed in the morning, as pollen levels spike in the late afternoon and evening,” she explained. The timing can vary depending on local flora.
Trees often emit the most pollen from February through April, although in warmer southern states, allergens can start as early as December or January and peak multiple times throughout the year.
4. Don’t rule out other issues
While it’s easy to blame allergies for stuffy noses and itchy eyes, Parikh reminds us that other conditions, like colds or viruses, might be involved. “Allergies stick around longer, so if you’re feeling under the weather for an extended period in spring, it might be more than just allergies,” she noted.
If you’re uncertain about your symptoms—whether they’re allergies or something else—it’s wise to consult a doctor.
