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You may feel like your spring allergies are worsening, beginning earlier, or lasting longer. You\u2019re not alone in feeling this way. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\u201cAllergy seasons are getting longer and worse all the time, and I think we can expect an increase in allergy-driven symptoms this spring and every spring going forward,\u201d said Noah Greenspan<\/a>, PT, DPT, board certified clinical specialist in cardiovascular and pulmonary physical therapy, a leading expert in cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, and the founder of Pulmonary Wellness Complex PT.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \u201cPeople naturally spend more time outdoors, in nature, and other areas where increased heat and humidity, greater prevalence of allergens, and therefore exposure to triggers, and compromised air quality are more common. In addition, we can expect that the impact of various environmental triggers will vary by geographic location and the characteristics of the exposures,\u201d Greenspan told Healthline. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n Indeed, some areas of the United States experience year-round pollen from trees, weeds, and grasses. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n The AAFA has ranked<\/a> the top \u201callergy capitals\u201d in the contiguous (lower 48) states by how difficult it is to live there with pollen allergies. Here\u2019s what you need to know to cope.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n The AAFA has ranked the top 100 allergy capitals in the United States for 2026. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n The following are the top 20 out of 100 based on pollen scores for tree, grass, and weed pollen, over-the-counter allergy medication use, and the number of allergy specialists. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n The AAFA notes that, compared with previous years, more cities in the West are among the top 20 allergy capitals. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n You can find the full list of the top 100 allergy capitals in the AAFA 2026 report<\/a>. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n If you know allergens, like pollen, may trigger symptoms, you may want to reduce your exposure. Here are a few ways to do just that:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n You can also use over-the-counter allergy medications to help reduce your symptoms. If these don\u2019t seem to work, you can consult with a healthcare professional about alternative treatment options. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n \u201cStart taking antihistamines, nasal sprays, and eye drops as soon as possible,\u201d said Nicolle Overstreet<\/a>, DO, family physician with Medical Offices of Manhattan. \u201cIf you\u2019re feeling symptoms, start treating [them]. I advise patients to start 2 weeks before their symptoms started last year, to get a head start,\u201d she told Healthline.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Overstreet recommended frequent allergy testing, when possible, to effectively reduce and manage symptoms.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n
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