(KSWB/KUSI) – Spring is now just a week away and if you think your pollen allergies are getting worse, you are not alone. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation, "Longer, more intense pollen seasons caused by the impact of climate change mean allergy symptoms hit harder and last longer. S ome parts of the United States now experience pollen (tree, grass, or weed) year-round." Due to this shift, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) conducted an Allergy Capitals report for 2026, ranking the largest 100 cities in the contiguous U.S. by how challenging they are to live in if you have a pollen allergy. According to the data, Boise, Idaho, earned the top spot as the most challenging place to live with a pollen allergy in the United States. 2026 Allergy Capitals per AAFA: 1. Boise, ID2. San Diego, CA3. Tulsa, OK4. Provo, UT5. Rochester, NY6. Wichita, KS7. Raleigh, NC8. Ogden, UT9. Spokane, WA10. Greenville, SC 11. San Francisco, CA12. Minneapolis, MN13. Salt Lake City, UT14. Richmond, VA15. Colorado Springs, CO16. Little Rock, AR17. Toledo, OH18. New Orleans, LA19. Winston-Salem, NC20. Lakeland, FL The report ranked the cities based on their tree, grass, and weed pollen scores (how many days each city has high or very high pollen counts), over-the-counter allergy medicine use and availability of board-certified allergists/immunologists. It also notes that climate change may be responsible for major shakeups in the 2026 data, as rainstorms, warmer temperatures, and drought triggered more pollen spikes and longer pollen seasons in the West. The report assesses that the three pollen types most responsible for allergies include tree pollen, grass pollen, and weed pollen, and estimates that more than 106 million people in the U.S. have allergies or asthma. Tips on managing pollen allergies The AAFA offers tips on managing pollen allergies, no matter where in the country you live. STEP 1: Prevent Pollen From Getting Into Your Eyes, Nose, Mouth, and LungsAvoiding or reducing exposure to pollen will reduce symptoms. AAFA suggests checking pollen counts or forecasts daily. You can also rinse out your nose with a saline nasal rinse and shower before bed to remove pollen from your body. STEP 2: Use Allergy Medicines to Control Your SymptomsStart allergy medications a couple of weeks before allergy season begins for best results. STEP 3: Consider Immune System Treatments If allergy medication does not work, other alternatives include Immunotherapy (like allergy shots) and Biologic treatments (complex medicines that target specific parts of the body’s immune system process). The full list of 100 cities is available on AAFA's website, along with additional tips and information to help combat allergy season across the country. ...read more read less