The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) 2020 Allergy Capitals™ report is now available. This report ranks the top 100 most challenging cities in the continental United States to live in with seasonal allergies.

AAFA combines data from both spring and fall to create a ranking of the top 100 cities based on:

• Pollen counts
• Allergy medicine use
• Number of board-certified allergists available
  
  

The report also includes a breakdown of seasonal rankings of the top cities for both spring and fall allergies.

This annual report can help you manage your seasonal allergies no matter where you live. With the right treatment and by reducing contact with pollen, you can feel better and improve your quality of life.

“For more than 50 years, the prevalence of allergic diseases has risen and it’s no coincidence that during the same time, pollen seasons have become stronger and longer due to warmer temperatures,” says Kenneth Mendez, AAFA CEO and president. “The Allergy Capitals report helps raise awareness about the impact of seasonal allergies, how people can prepare and start proper treatment. Local communities can also use the report as a tool to identify how to better meet the needs of their residents living with allergies and allergic asthma.”

What Are the Symptoms of Seasonal Allergies?

Do you get allergy symptoms in the early spring when trees release pollen? Or do you sneeze or get a runny nose during the late summer or early fall? If so, you may have seasonal allergies.

Seasonal allergies are known as seasonal allergic rhinitis. It’s commonly called “hay fever.” If you have pollen allergies, seasonal allergy symptoms appear during the time of year when pollen counts are high.

The symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis are:

• Itching in the nose and eyes
• Sneezing
• Stuffy nose (congestion)
• Runny nose
• Mucus (phlegm) in the throat (postnasal drip)
  
  

If you have allergic asthma, you may also have asthma symptoms when pollen counts are high.

Did you know that allergens like tree pollen can trigger asthma attacks too? #allergycapitals #springallergies allergycapitals.com via @aafanational

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What Plants Cause Pollen Allergy Symptoms?

Tree pollen causes the most spring allergies. In some states, tree pollen can appear as early as January and stay through July. Weed pollen is common in the fall. Ragweed pollen causes the most fall allergies, affecting as many as 23 million people.

How Do You Treat Seasonal Allergies?

A board-certified allergist can help you come up with a plan to manage seasonal allergy symptoms. Allergy treatment options include:

• Allergy medicines, such as antihistamines
• Nasal corticosteroid sprays
• Immunotherapy – allergy shots or tablets
  
  

You can also take steps to manage allergy symptoms by:

• Reducing your contact with pollen 
• Seeing a board-certified allergist for a treatment plan
• Starting allergy treatment before the spring or fall seasons begin

SPRING ALLERGY TIP: Keep your windows closed and remove your shoes before entering your home to cut down how much pollen gets inside your home. More pollen allergy tips available at allergycapitals.com from @aafanational

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