Here are the 10 ‘allergy capitals’ of America in 2022
More than 50 million Americans suffer from some type of allergy, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, and many of them are seasonal pollen allergies.
The AAFA has released its 2022 list of so-called "allergy capitals" of the U.S., a tradition for the foundation since 2003.
According to the AAFA, the list ranks the 100 most-challenging cities to live in for people who have seasonal allergies based on spring and fall pollen data, the use of allergy medication and the number of board-certified allergists or immunologists in each place.
Kenneth Mendez, CEO and president of the AAFA, said that more than 24 million people in the U.S. have seasonal allergic rhinitis – a condition that produces a runny nose, congestion, sneezing and itching. He said seasonal allergies can also trigger an asthma attack.
"We see spikes in emergency room visits that coincide with spikes in pollen seasons," Mendez said in a press release issued by the AAFA. "Around 3,600 people per year die from asthma, so it is important to address and manage asthma and allergy triggers where you live."
To manage seasonal allergies, the AAFA has several recommendations, such as keeping windows closed during pollen seasons, using HEPA filters on A/C systems, taking showers before bed and wearing a mask and hair covering when outside. Get even more tips here.
There are several over-the-counter medications that can help manage seasonal allergies. Talk to your doctor to determine which one is right for you.
10 ‘allergy capitals’ of the US
10: Albany, New York
FILE - The Egg performing arts building, center, stands at The Governor Nelson A. Rockefeller Empire State Plaza complex in Albany, New York, U.S., on Wednesday, March 19, 2014. (Ron Antonelli/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
9: New Haven, Connecticut
FILE - A view from a 9th floor room in the Omni Hotel, overlooks downtown April 16, 2008 in New Haven, Connecticut. (Christopher Capozziello/Getty Images)
8: Buffalo, New York
FILE - Basin Marina Park and the Buffalo city skyline. (John Greim/LightRocket via Getty Images)
7: Hartford, Connecticut
FILE - Reminants of the old Colt Armory are still visible in downtown skyline in Hartford, Connecticut on Feb. 14, 2013. (Linda Davidson / The Washington Post via Getty Images)
6: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
FILE - Oklahoma City Skyline, Oklahoma. ( )
5: San Antonio, Texas
FILE - Tourists enter Mission San Antonio de Valero, better known as The Alamo. (Robert Alexander/Getty Images)
4: Richmond, Virginia
FILE - Skyline of Richmond, Virginia. (Robert Knopes/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
3: McAllen, Texas
FILE - Maria's Restaurant, upper right, and Sacred Heart Catholic Church, left, are seen in downtown McAllen, Texas on July 2, 2018. (Carolyn Van Houten/The Washington Post via Getty Images)
2: Wichita, Kansas
FILE - Drone aerial view of downtown Wichita Skyline, Kansas features Arkansas Rivers and bridges. (Joe Sohm/Visions of America/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
1: Scranton, Pennsylvania
FILE - Downtown architecture of Scranton. (John Greim/LightRocket via Getty Images)