Spring Allergy Capitals 2019

It’s the season for itching and sneezing! If you live in one of the top 2019 Spring Allergy Capitals, use AAFA’s tips to reduce your suffering.

More than 50 million Americans are living with nasal allergies and about half of those are due to seasonal allergies. AAFA’s annual Spring Allergy Capitals^TM report provides insights into the 100 metropolitan cities where people are most affected by spring allergies.

The report looks at three important factors:

• Pollen and mold counts
• Allergy medicine usage
• Availability of board-certified allergists
   

This year’s report named McAllen, Texas, as the top Spring Allergy Capital due to its:

• Higher than average pollen
• Higher than average medicine use
• Lower availability to board-certified allergists
   

Get Allergy Relief No Matter Where You Live

The warm weather will drive people outdoors to face one of the season’s biggest problems: tree pollen. Common symptoms of springtime allergies include:

• Runny nose
• Itchy eyes
• Sneezing
• Congestion
   

“Spring allergies can cause a lot of misery for millions of people in the U.S.,” says Kenneth Mendez, AAFA President and CEO. “Our Spring Allergy Capitals Report highlights the cities that face the most challenges due to high pollen counts, high allergy medicine usage and lower access to specialized care by allergists.”

Where Does Your City Rank In Its Region?

The 2019 Spring Allergy Capitals also ranks cities by regions to provide a closer look into how each city stacks up against surrounding areas.

Where Can I Get More Information About the Spring 2019 Rankings?

2019 Spring Allergy Capitals - 100 Metro Areas and Regional Rankings

Press Release

 

What Can I Do About My Spring Allergies?

The spring allergy season begins with pollen released by trees and then grass follows later in spring into summer. There are apps you can use to watch your area’s pollen counts. On days that pollen is high for the trees or grass you are allergic to, take these actions to reduce your pollen exposure:

• Limit outdoor activities
• Keep windows closed
• Use central air conditioning with air filtration
• Wear sunglasses when you are outdoors
• Wear a hat to cover your hair
• Take a shower and shampoo your hair before going to bed to remove pollen.
• Change and wash clothes worn during outdoor activities
• Dry your laundry in a clothes dryer, not on an outdoor line
• Limit close contact with pets that spend a lot of time outdoors
• Wipe pets off with a towel before they enter your home
• Remove your shoes before entering your home
• Wash bedding in hot, soapy water once a week
• Rinse the inside of your nose with a nasal rinse to flush out pollens you have inhaled
• Use a CERTIFIED asthma & allergy friendly® air cleaner (portable or whole house/HVAC)

 

There are also options available to prevent or treat allergy symptoms:

• Over-the-counter or prescription allergy medicines – some of these work best if you start taking them before the allergy season begins
• Immunotherapy – there are shots or tablets available that are a long-term treatment for pollen allergy. It can help prevent or reduce the severity of allergic reactions.
   

Talk with your doctor before the allergy season begins to discuss which treatment is right for you. 

Our Spring Allergy Capitals report is an independent research project of AAFA.