Location, location, location. It’s not just important when it comes to real estate. It matters when it comes to spring allergies too. But pollen is found everywhere in the U.S. So why do some places seem worse for spring allergies than others?

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) has released the 2019 Spring Allergy Capitals™ report to look at why some locations are more affected than others. Our report ranks the top 100 cities in the nation for spring allergies.

How Does Location Affect My Seasonal Allergies?

The amount and types of pollen in your area obviously can affect you, causing nasal allergies and allergic asthma symptoms.Tree pollen is the biggest spring offender. But grass pollen isn't too far behind. While it shows up later in the spring, the two types of pollen can overlap, leaving you miserable.

But there are other factors to consider. The number of board-certified allergists – doctors specially trained to help you manage your allergies – in your area can be a factor too. If you don’t have easy, local access to an allergist, you might not get the right treatment to help you find relief from your allergies.

What Are the Most Challenging Places to Live With Spring Allergies?

AAFA looked at three factors when determining which cities were the most challenging for spring allergies:

• Pollen counts
• Use of allergy medicines
• Availability of board-certified allergists
  
  

McAllen, Texas, topped the list again for 2019. (It was also our #1 2018 Spring Allergy Capital). High pollen, high allergy medicine use and a lower number of allergy specialists made it the #1 spring allergy capital.

“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 use and lower access to specialized care by allergists.” 

I Live in a Spring Allergy Capital – What Can I Do to Get Relief?

The good news is, you can get relief from seasonal allergies no matter where you live. If you live in a Spring Allergy Capital, our report can help you be aware of the issues in your area so you can learn the best ways to manage your allergies.

You can work with your allergist to develop a plan for allergy relief. Start by:

• Finding a board-certified allergist
• Talking to your allergist about allergy testing and long-term allergy treatments
• Limiting your pollen exposure
• Using CERTIFIED asthma & allergy friendly® products to make your home healthier
• Planning for spring allergy season before it begins, especially if you live in a Spring Allergy Capital
  
  

Visit allergycapitals.com to see where your city ranks and for ways to get through the season.

How Can I Find Out More About the Report?

The Spring Allergy Capitals™ ranking is an annual research and educational project of AAFA. It is designed to help patients recognize, prevent and safely treat allergy symptoms. Through this ranking, AAFA raises awareness about the impact of seasonal allergies. It provides helpful information that can improve the quality of life for people living with seasonal allergies. The ranking is based on local pollen levels, use of allergy medicine and the number of board-certified allergists in each metro area. Visit allergycapitals.com to see the full list, study methodology and to learn more about allergy diagnosis, prevention and treatment.