Allergy season can be miserable for tens of millions of Americans when trees, grass, and other pollens cause runny noses, itchy eyes, coughing and sneezing. Where you live, what you're allergic to and your lifestyle can make a big difference when it comes to the severity of your allergies. Experts say climate change is leading to longer and more intense allergy seasons, but also point out that treatments for seasonal allergies have become more effective over the last decade.
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America issues an annual ranking of the most challenging cities to live in if you have allergies, based on over-the-counter medicine use, pollen counts and the number of available allergy specialists. This year, the top five cities are: Boise, Idaho; San Diego; Tulsa, Oklahoma; Provo, Utah; and Rochester, New York.
What the Right Is Saying
Conservatives and some medical professionals emphasize individual responsibility and personal health management over policy solutions. The American Council on Renewable Energy and other center-right health organizations stress that while climate discussions are valid, patients should focus on actionable steps they can take themselves. Free-market health advocates argue that over-regulation of pollen-producing plants or aggressive climate policies could have unintended economic consequences. Many conservative commentators also highlight that allergy management is ultimately a personal health decision, and that Americans have access to increasingly effective over-the-counter treatments. Some on the right caution against what they see as alarmism around climate and allergies, noting that seasonal allergies have existed throughout history.
What the Left Is Saying
Public health advocates and environmental groups point to climate change as a key driver of worsening allergy seasons. The Natural Resources Defense Council has documented how rising temperatures and extended growing seasons contribute to longer periods of airborne pollen. Progressive health policy advocates argue that addressing climate change is a public health imperative, not just an environmental one. Organizations like the American Lung Association emphasize that stronger climate policies could reduce the long-term burden of respiratory allergies. Some advocates on the left also call for better air quality regulations and increased funding for allergy research, arguing that these are preventive health measures that save money in the long run.
What the Numbers Show
According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, approximately 60 million Americans suffer from seasonal allergies. The foundation's annual allergy capital ranking places Boise, Idaho at number one this year, followed by San Diego, Tulsa, Oklahoma, Provo, Utah, and Rochester, New York. Pollen counts are measured by counting stations across the U.S. through the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology's network. Last year was one of the most intense allergy seasons on record, particularly in the Southeast U.S. Common tree pollens include birch, cedar, cottonwood, maple, elm, oak and walnut, while grasses causing symptoms include Bermuda, Johnson, rye and Kentucky bluegrass. Over-the-counter nasal sprays are among the most effective treatments, though patients often use them incorrectly.
The Bottom Line
Allergy season is getting longer and more severe due to climate change, but Americans have more effective treatment options than ever before. Experts recommend starting with prevention: keeping windows closed, changing clothes after being outdoors, and showering daily to remove pollen. Over-the-counter nasal sprays and allergy pills like Claritin, Allegra and Zyrtec remain the first line of defense. Those with symptoms impacting their quality of life, such as lost sleep or difficulty focusing at work, should consider seeing an allergist for more targeted treatment. While social media remedies like local honey have been debunked by medical professionals, standard treatments continue to improve. The key is early intervention and consistency in managing exposure.