No matter where you live, allergies can be tough to deal with, but it turns out, location can make a big difference in how severe symptoms are for those suffering from pollen allergies. And thanks to a new report, we know which cities make it the most challenging.
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America has determined the “Allergy Capitals” of America in 2023, where it’s harder for residents with allergies to avoid flare-ups.
- They researched data from the 100 most populated U.S. metro areas on factors including tree, grass and weed pollen scores, number of board-certified allergists and immunologists and how often over-the-counter allergy medicine is used.
- Wichita, Kansas, tops the list as the number one Allergy Capital. Sunflowers are grown throughout the state, but Wichita is home to many sunflower fields, which is great for photo ops, but not so much for allergy symptoms.
- Tree and grass pollen levels are also worse than average there and there are fewer board-certified allergists and immunologists than in other cities, plus, allergy medicine use is “extremely high” in Wichita.
The Top 10 U.S. “Allergy Capitals” of 2023
- Wichita, Kansas
- Dallas, Texas
- Scranton, Pennsylvania
- Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
- Tulsa, Oklahoma
- Sarasota, Florida
- Cape Coral, Florida
- Orlando, Florida
- Des Moines, Iowa
- Greenville, South Carolina
Source: CNBC