Wichita, Kansas has been named America’s worst city for allergy sufferers for the third consecutive year as the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America warns of longer, more severe allergy seasons nationwide due to climate change.
At a Glance
- Wichita, Kansas tops the 2025 “Allergy Capitals” list for the third year running, while New Orleans jumped from 34th to 2nd place following Hurricane Francine.
- Climate change is extending allergy seasons, with some sufferers now experiencing symptoms nearly year-round instead of seasonally.
- Allergic asthma, triggered by seasonal allergies, can be life-threatening—with 10 people dying daily from asthma-related causes.
- Effective management strategies include using 24-hour antihistamines, tracking pollen forecasts, and creating allergen-free zones in your home.
Understanding the 2025 Allergy Capitals Report
The recently released 2025 Allergy Capitals report from the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) identifies the 20 most challenging U.S. cities for allergy sufferers. Cities are ranked based on three key factors: pollen scores for trees, grasses, and weeds; over-the-counter allergy medication usage; and the availability of board-certified allergists in the area. This annual study examines conditions in the 100 most populated metropolitan areas to help residents and travelers prepare for allergy season.
The southeastern United States features prominently on the list, with cities like New Orleans experiencing dramatic shifts in ranking. New Orleans jumped from 34th to 2nd place following Hurricane Francine and unusually warm temperatures that triggered severe weed pollen seasons. Another notable trend is the rise of California cities in the rankings, with eight locations seeing significant jumps due to increased grass and weed pollen following wet weather patterns in 2024.
The Growing Impact of Climate Change on Allergies
Climate change is fundamentally altering allergy patterns across America. Rising temperatures extend growing seasons and increase the amount of pollen produced by plants. What was once a clearly defined allergy season is now becoming a nearly year-round concern for many sufferers. The traditional winter break from allergies continues to shrink, with some regions experiencing only brief respites between pollen waves.
Pollen seasons typically occur in three distinct waves throughout the year: tree pollen (February-April), grass pollen (April-July), and weed pollen (August-first frost). However, changing climate conditions are blurring these boundaries, causing overlap between seasons and introducing new allergens to regions where they weren’t previously common. According to the American Lung Association, “Changes in temperature and precipitation patterns allow plants and trees to grow in places they didn’t before,” exposing populations to allergens they haven’t previously encountered.
Health Impacts Beyond Discomfort
While many people view allergies as merely annoying, they can have serious health implications. Allergic asthma, triggered by seasonal allergens, poses a significant health risk that many underestimate. In 2022 alone, 3,602 deaths were attributed to asthma-related causes. Kenneth Mendez, AAFA President and CEO, emphasizes this danger: “There’s something called allergic asthma, which is asthma that’s triggered by seasonal allergies. What a lot of people don’t realize is that 10 people die each day from asthma.”
Even for those without asthma, untreated allergies can lead to chronic sinus infections, poor sleep quality, and reduced quality of life. The economic impact is also substantial, with millions of missed workdays annually and billions spent on medications and doctor visits. Some people who previously had no allergy symptoms are developing new sensitivities as pollen types change and quantities increase, expanding the affected population.
Effective Management Strategies
Medical experts recommend a multi-faceted approach to managing seasonal allergies. Understanding your specific triggers is the critical first step. Dr. Purvi Parikh, an allergist-immunologist, advises using 24-hour antihistamines rather than as-needed medications: “One of the most important things that we recommend is to use a 24-hour antihistamine, because they’re longer-acting and can really help control symptoms.”
Daily pollen monitoring can help you plan activities wisely. Pollen counts are typically highest in the morning and on windy days, while rain temporarily clears pollen from the air. Simple habit changes can dramatically reduce exposure—changing clothes after being outdoors, keeping windows closed during peak pollen times, and using indoor air purifiers with HEPA filters. For those with severe allergies, consulting an allergist about immunotherapy options may provide long-term relief by gradually desensitizing the immune system to specific allergens.
Creating an Allergen-Free Home Environment
Your home should be a sanctuary from allergens, but without proper management, indoor air can actually trap and concentrate pollen and other irritants. Regular cleaning using a vacuum with a HEPA filter helps remove allergens from carpets and upholstery. Using dehumidifiers to maintain indoor humidity between 30-50% prevents mold growth, another common trigger for allergy sufferers. Addressing water leaks promptly and ensuring proper ventilation in bathrooms and kitchens are essential preventive measures.
Creating an allergen-free bedroom is particularly important since most people spend approximately one-third of their time there. Encase mattresses and pillows in allergen-proof covers, wash bedding weekly in hot water, and consider removing carpeting which harbors allergens. For those living in high-ranking allergy capitals, these indoor management strategies become even more critical for maintaining quality of life throughout extended allergy seasons.
