Where Hay Fever Is the Worst In the U.S.

Spring has officially sprung, and many parts of the United States are starting to show signs of the change in season. A common sign comes in the form of seasonal allergies. People afflicted with the perennial problem manage a variety symptoms, including sneezing, congestion, watery or itchy eyes, and/or a runny nose. Over 50 million Americans have experiences some type of allergic reaction each year.

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, McAllen, Texas was the worst city for allergies for spring 2019. Most of the top 10 cities that posed a problem for people with seasonal allergies are in the South, mostly due to the warmer climate, lusher landscape, and earlier onset of spring compared to other regions in the United States. A winter season with heavy rainfall and snow can also contribute to a worse than average allergy season. The precipitation keeps the ground moist providing a water source for trees and grasses as spring comes around.

The AAFA surveyed the 100-most populated Metropolitan Statistical Areas in the lower 48 and ranked them based on three factors: the presences of pollen, allergy medication, and allergy specialist in the area. Cities in Texas come up in the top 10 twice, as do cities in Tennessee.