Almost 50 million people living in the country suffer from allergies and other related troubles. And these allergies are caused due to seasonal changes. These changes can vary from state to state and city to city, where some cities can exacerbate allergies and related asthma troubles. In this article, we discuss five cities with maximum allergy troubles and the reasons behind them.

1. Jackson, Mississippi
Jackson, Mississippi, has been a top-ranking city for allergies for the past few years. This can be due to the high levels of humidity along with the high pollen count. The city also has rich foliage that alleviates the number of allergens in the environment.  The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, also  commonly known as AAFA, ranks this city to have a pollen count that is worse than average. It notes that the medication use to tackle allergies is also low than average.

2. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Oklahoma City is another common city that features on AAFA’s list of cities that cause asthma and allergies. This place has consistently been on the list for the last couple of years. As of 2021, Oklahoma City ranked ninth on AAFA’s list of Top 10 most challenging places to live with seasonal allergies. Research showcased that this was due to high concentrations of pollen, molds, and weeds. Not to mention, the climate of Oklahoma City only causes the allergens to multiply, and the weather allows the allergens to stay in the air for more extended periods of time.

3. McAllen, Texas
McAllen, Texas, is another city that is plagued by allergies and asthma troubles. This could be due to the cold mountains that allow cedar pollens to invade the area. This, of course, only inflames the already existing pollen of the city and leads to an increase in allergy and asthma cases. In 2019, McAllen ranked number one on AAFA’s list of most challenging places to live with seasonal allergies. But, in recent years, this situation has taken a turn for the better. As of 2021, the city ranked fourth on the same list.

4. Springfield, MA
Pollen and air pollutants are the leading causes of allergies and asthma troubles in Springfield, MA. But, what aggravates this situation is the location of the city. Springfield lies in a valley due to which it is common to find all kinds of allergens, air pollutants, and even toxic substances collect here. The situation worsens because the weather only causes carbon dioxide and allergens such as pollen to stay in the environment longer than expected. As of 2021, the city of Springfield was seventh on AAFA’s list for the most challenging places to live with seasonal allergies.

5. Knoxville, Tennessee
Knoxville city may not have made it to AAFA’s Top 10 2021 list, but this does not mean that it’s a safe spot for those with allergies as asthma. This is because, much like Springfield, Knoxville is also a valley city. This is further amplified by the tons of pollen from the oak, maple, and birch trees in the area. Knoxville’s climate comprising the wind, high humidity, and warm temperatures all together contribute to the spread of pollen and increases allergies.