Ah, allergy season— when stuffy nose, itchy eyes, and coughing can turn the joy of spring and summer into a sneeze-filled adventure. Moreover, the sufferers endure these uncomfortable symptoms for extended periods due to pollen, mold, dust mites, and certain foods.
Well, if you dread the thought of walking like a tissue box during allergy season, you’re not alone! According to the CDC’s National Health Survey, “Over
50 million Americans experience allergies every year.
So, if you’re prone to allergies, some places in America can be notorious for their brutal allergy seasons due to high pollen counts and other environmental conditions.
Let’s explore the worst allergy battlegrounds in America, so you know where to steer clear during summer and spring.
Kansas City, Missouri
Places like Wichita in Kansas City have worse-than-average pollen allergies with trees, grasses, and weeds. Moreover, the residents experience pollen-induced misery throughout the year, such as tree, grass, and ragweed pollen. Mostly, in spring and summer, pollen counts can soar to over 1,000 grains per cubic meter, making it a rough ride for people with allergies.
Houston, Texas
Thanks to the humid climate! The residents of Houston face high levels of pollen allergies as well as mold allergies. Grasses like Bermuda, Timothy, and Bahia are common triggers among allergy sufferers here. Moreover, the pollen counts can often surpass 1,500 grains per cubic meter in spring and summer.
Phoenix, Arizona
The dry desert air and hot weather conditions in Phoenix are ideal causes for pollen allergies. Additionally, desert plants like ragweed and sagebrush can trigger allergy symptoms among people, along with dust and mold. In summer, the pollen counts can exceed up to 1,500 grains per cubic meter.
New Orleans, Louisiana
Pollen-related allergies and mold spores are common in New Orleans for allergy sufferers. Further, it’s one of the worst cities for people with allergies due to its damp, humid environments. In summer and spring, the pollen counts can reach staggering heights of up to 1,200 grains per cubic meter, particularly from grasses and trees.
New York City, New York
The allergy season in New York City is more prevalent in summer and spring when the trees and grasses are in bloom. Some tree species like Birch, Oak, and Ash are common triggers and bloom earlier, depending on the weather and conditions. Moreover, the elevated pollen counts for city dwellers can often surpass 1,000 grains per cubic meter during the allergy season.
Knoxville, Tennessee
During pollen season, the residents of the Knoxville area experience high mold-related concerns and environmental allergies. When trees like Oak, Cedar, and Birch bloom in spring, the pollen count tends to be higher. It can exceed more than 500 grains per cubic meter depending on the prevailing weather conditions.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re living or planning to travel in any of these allergy hotspots in America, the proper knowledge and treatments can help you confidently navigate even the toughest allergy symptoms. So take a deep breath, stock up on those tissues, and grab your allergy survival kit to stay ahead of those pesky allergies.