14 March 2024
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) – The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America released the 2024 Allergy Capitals report on Thursday detailing the most challenging cities in the United States for living with seasonal allergies.
Wichita came in at the top of the list for the second straight year. The report says Wichita earned the spot due to higher-than-average tree and grass pollen, higher-than-average medicine use, and low access to allergy specialists.
Other cities on the list include:
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Greenville, South Carolina
Dallas, Texas
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Richmond, Virginia
Des Moines, Iowa
Raleigh, North Carolina
Fayetteville, Arkansas
Common symptoms of allergic rhinitis caused by seasonal allergies include:
Runny nose (also known as rhinorrhea – usually a thin, clear discharge)
Stuffy nose (due to blockage or nasal congestion)
Sneezing
Red and watery eyes
Itchy nose, eyes, ears, or mouth
Swelling around the eyes
Common signs and symptoms of allergic asthma include:
Shortness of breath
Cough
Chest tightness or pain
Wheeze (a whistling sound when you breathe)
Waking at night due to asthma symptoms
A drop in lung function