Top 20 Worst U.S. Cities for Spring Allergies in 2026

• The Bronchial asthma and Allergy Basis of America (AAFA) has ranked the highest 20 worst cities for pollen allergy symptoms in 2026.
• Allergy seasons are lasting longer and are extra intense as a consequence of local weather change, which may worsen allergy signs.
• Consultants supply suggestions for dealing with seasonal allergy symptoms this spring and past.

You might really feel like your spring allergy symptoms are worsening, starting earlier, or lasting longer. You’re not alone in feeling this manner.

“Allergy seasons are getting longer and worse on a regular basis, and I believe we are able to count on a rise in allergy-driven signs this spring and each spring going ahead,” mentioned Noah Greenspan, PT, DPT, board licensed scientific specialist in cardiovascular and pulmonary bodily remedy, a number one knowledgeable in cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, and the founding father of Pulmonary Wellness Complicated PT.

“Individuals naturally spend extra time outside, in nature, and different areas the place elevated warmth and humidity, higher prevalence of allergens, and due to this fact publicity to triggers, and compromised air high quality are extra widespread. As well as, we are able to count on that the affect of varied environmental triggers will range by geographic location and the traits of the exposures,” Greenspan advised Healthline.

Certainly, some areas of the USA expertise year-round pollen from timber, weeds, and grasses.

The AAFA has ranked the highest “allergy capitals” within the contiguous (decrease 48) states by how tough it’s to reside there with pollen allergy symptoms. Right here’s what you have to know to manage.

The AAFA has ranked the highest 100 allergy capitals in the USA for 2026.

The next are the highest 20 out of 100 primarily based on pollen scores for tree, grass, and weed pollen, over-the-counter allergy remedy use, and the variety of allergy specialists.

The AAFA notes that, in contrast with earlier years, extra cities within the West are among the many prime 20 allergy capitals.

1. Boise, ID
2. San Diego, CA
3. Tulsa, OK
4. Provo, UT
5. Rochester, NY
6. Wichita, KS
7. Raleigh, NC
8. Ogden, UT
9. Spokane, WA
10. Greenville, SC
11. San Francisco, CA
12. Minneapolis, MN
13. Salt Lake Metropolis, UT
14. Richmond, VA
15. Colorado Springs, CO
16. Little Rock, AR
17. Toledo, OH
18. New Orleans, LA
19. Winston-Salem, NC
20. Lakeland, FL

You will discover the total checklist of the highest 100 allergy capitals within the AAFA 2026 report.

If you realize allergens, like pollen, could set off signs, you might need to cut back your publicity. Listed here are a couple of methods to just do that:

• Monitor the pollen count in your space so you’ll be able to keep away from going outdoors throughout excessive pollen occasions.
• Preserve the home windows in your home and automotive closed, and let your HVAC system filter out allergens.
• Bear in mind to vary your HVAC filters frequently, particularly throughout your worst allergy months.
• Attempt to maintain pollen outdoors as a lot as potential by eradicating your sneakers by the door if you enter your home, altering your garments after being outdoors, and showering earlier than mattress.
• Put on sun shades when outdoors to assist defend your eyes from pollen.

You can even use over-the-counter allergy drugs to assist cut back your signs. If these don’t appear to work, you’ll be able to seek the advice of with a healthcare skilled about various remedy choices.

“Begin taking antihistamines, nasal sprays, and eye drops as quickly as potential,” mentioned Nicolle Overstreet, DO, household doctor with Medical Places of work of Manhattan. “For those who’re feeling signs, begin treating [them]. I counsel sufferers to start out 2 weeks earlier than their signs began final yr, to get a head begin,” she advised Healthline.

Overstreet beneficial frequent allergy testing, when potential, to successfully cut back and handle signs.

For those who’re liable to allergy symptoms and irritation, you must monitor your signs frequently to trace traits and flare-ups, Greenspan mentioned.