Early Allergies 2024: Worst Cities & How to Find Relief | Salt Lake City Ranked
Seasonal allergies are arriving earlier and expected to last longer this year, with Boise, Idaho, identified as the most challenging city for allergy sufferers in the United States, according to a new report. The findings, released in March by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), indicate that 106 million Americans experience allergies, many related to pollen.
The AAFA report, which ranks the 100 largest cities in the contiguous U.S., cites an abundance of pollen and a relatively low number of allergy specialists as key factors contributing to Boise’s top ranking. Tree pollen in the region has already peaked earlier than usual, signaling a potentially prolonged allergy season.
Three Utah cities also appeared in the top 20: Provo at No. 4, Ogden at No. 8, and Salt Lake City at No. 13. Other cities facing significant allergy challenges include San Diego, California; Tulsa, Oklahoma; Rochester, New York; and Wichita, Kansas.
Allergies occur when the body’s immune system overreacts to a substance, such as pollen, identifying it as harmful. The AAFA notes that allergies are among the most common chronic diseases, affecting as many as 30% of adults and 40% of children in the U.S.
Whereas pollen is essential for plant reproduction, it can trigger a range of allergic reactions, including allergic asthma, allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, atopic dermatitis, nasal polyps, and eosinophilic esophagitis. Common symptoms include sneezing, itching, and difficulty breathing, and can also manifest as a sore throat, headache, cough, and fatigue.
Experts warn that extreme weather conditions, such as heavy rainfall and rising temperatures, can exacerbate allergy problems indoors by promoting mold growth, further complicating breathing for those with respiratory issues or mold allergies.
To mitigate allergy symptoms, the AAFA recommends monitoring pollen counts through resources like the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology’s National Allergy Bureau and local news outlets. Individuals sensitive to pollen are advised to stay indoors or accept precautions on days with high pollen levels.
Proactive medication management, starting treatment a couple of weeks before symptoms typically appear, is also recommended. Maintaining indoor air quality by closing windows and using high-efficiency filters can aid trap pollen and other allergens.
Additional preventative measures include washing hands after potential allergen exposure, flushing sinuses to remove histamines, and considering the use of antihistamines. Some research suggests that quercetin, an antioxidant found in garlic and onions, may help stabilize cells in the nose and reduce irritation. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish and walnuts, may also offer some relief.
The AAFA’s ranking is based on a combination of factors, including pollen scores for trees, grass, and weeds, over-the-counter allergy medication usage, and the availability of allergy specialists within each metropolitan area.
The foundation identified ten cities with the fewest allergy challenges: Houston, New York, San Antonio, Boston, Phoenix, Fresno, California; Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; El Paso and McAllen, Texas; and Tucson, Arizona.
Top 20 Allergy Capitals of 2026
- Boise, Idaho
- San Diego, California
- Tulsa, Oklahoma
- Provo, Utah
- Rochester, New York
- Wichita, Kansas
- Raleigh, North Carolina
- Ogden, Utah
- Spokane, Washington
- Greenville, South Carolina
- San Francisco, California
- Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Salt Lake City, Utah
- Richmond, Virginia
- Colorado Springs, Colorado
- Little Rock, Arkansas
- Toledo, Ohio
- New Orleans, Louisiana
- Winston-Salem, North Carolina
- Lakeland, Florida