One of the most common allergic conditions is seasonal allergic rhinitis, sometimes called “hay fever” or “nasal allergies.” About 1 in 5 children in the U.S. have seasonal allergic rhinitis.1 Seasonal allergies are usually caused by allergies to tree, grass, and weed pollen. Because of something called the allergic march, many children with seasonal pollen allergies also have food allergies.
If you or your child have a pollen allergy, it is important to start your allergy treatment before your pollen season begins.
To help people understand how location affects seasonal allergies and how they can manage their symptoms, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) has released the 2025 Allergy Capitals report. Kids with Food Allergies is a division of AAFA.
AAFA’s report ranks the 100 most populous cities in the United States by how challenging they are to live in with pollen allergies. Wichita, Kansas, is the #1 Allergy Capital for 2025 for the 3rd year in a row due to its:
- Worse-than-average tree and grass pollen
- Worse-than-average allergy medicine use
- Fewer board-certified allergists/immunologists
Our report also highlights:
- The impact of climate change on seasonal allergies
- Changes in rankings in the Western United States
- Managing your pollen allergy
Visit allergycapitals.org to see the full ranking of 100 cities and learn how you can help your child get relief from seasonal allergies.
The 2025 Allergy Capitals report is an independent research project of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America and made possible by support from Opella, the makers of Allegra®.;
References
1. Zablotsky, B., Black, L.I., & Akinbami, L.J.(2023). NCHS Data Brief, no 459: Diagnosed allergic conditions in children aged 0-17 years: United States, 2021. National Center for Health Statistics. https://dx.doi.org/10.15620/ cdc:123250
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