What Are Top 10 Worst States for Allergies?

Some regions of the United States have more allergens than others. According to Asthmacapitals.com, more than 20 million American children and adults live with asthma, of which common allergens can trigger attacks 3. Asthmacapitals.com uses resources to conduct research on the top 10 cities in the country for asthma allergens to help municipalities improve air quality for their residents.

Kentucky

According to Pollentec.com, Lexington, Kentucky, in particular had the highest rate of pollen, with a score of 100. Wichita is another high-ranking city for common allergens such as mold spores and weed pollens. The worst time of the year for allergies was spring and fall. Residents of Kentucky also have the lowest utilization rate for medical care, so many residents with allergies or asthma are often not receiving attention and care 3.

The Carolinas

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Raleigh-Durham and Greensboro are two top cities in North Carolina for allergies 2. South Carolina follows behind, with Greenville being the city for heavy allergies. Both states have high levels of grass, tree and weed pollens. Residents need to gear up in the fall and spring for preventive medical care to prevent allergy attacks.

Tennessee

Knoxville and Chattanooga are high-ranking cities in Tennessee for allergies. The most common offenders are mold spores, weed and grass pollens. Spring is the worst time of the year in Tennessee for allergens, despite having an average pollen count, according to Pollentec.com.

Michigan/Wisconsin

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Michigan and Wisconsin share a high count of weeds and pollens for fall allergies. In addition to pollens, ragweed and trees are common allergens in Wisconsin. Madison, Wisconsin, has amaranth, pigweed and tumbleweed as top allergens. Plantains and nettle are top allergens in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Georgia

Slippery elm, slash pine and smooth brome are top allergens for the state of Georgia. According to MSN.com, the lack of rain in Georgia could be the main reason why this year’s allergy season will be harsh for sufferers.

Virginia

Cedar, maple and pine are the top-ranking tree allergies for Virginia as stated by Dr. Lawrence Schwartz, says the Richmond Times Dispatch 25. The long snow season delayed allergies in 2010, and the scant rainfall has caused allergies to linger longer than normal.

Arkansas/Missouri

Due to the high weed and mold counts in Arkansas, especially Little Rock, Arkansas rated ninth in the country for allergies last year, as stated on Pollentec.com 23. Missouri residents are bothered by high mold counts during the spring. Late spring brings agricultural dust across the state, ranked 10th, adding to the allergen count and burden of residents.