Overview
- Tens of millions are feeling symptoms earlier than usual this year as warmer weather lengthens pollen seasons, with Indian clinicians warning that air pollution can make reactions worse.
- The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America reports at least 106 million Americans have allergies and ranks 2026’s toughest cities as Boise, San Diego, Tulsa, Provo, and Rochester.
- The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology posts neighborhood pollen counts from a national network, giving people a way to plan time outdoors.
- Simple steps can lower exposure, including closing windows, changing clothes and showering after being outside, covering hair in the wind, and wearing a mask to filter pollen.
- Frontline care includes starting steroid nasal sprays before peak days and angling the nozzle outward toward the ear to prevent irritation, using antihistamines for added relief, and seeing an allergist if sleep or focus suffer.