Raleigh and Winston-Salem among worst U.S. cities for pollen allergies
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Foundation ranks Raleigh and Winston-Salem among worst metros for seasonal allergies.
- State data show high tree pollen now from juniper, cedar, cypress, pine and maple.
- Start meds ~2 weeks before season; use antihistamines and nasal steroid sprays.
Two of North Carolina’s largest cities landed in the top 20 worst places for allergy sufferers, according to a new national report. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America’s 2026 Allergy Capitals report ranked Raleigh and Winston-Salem among the toughest metro areas for people with seasonal allergies.
FULL STORY: 2 NC cities among worst places for pollen allergies, study says. One’s No. 7
Here are key takeaways:
• The rankings: The nonprofit’s report analyzed the 100 most-populated metro areas using factors such as pollen levels from trees, grasses and weeds, over-the-counter allergy medication use and the number of board-certified allergists and immunologists.
• What’s in the air now: The most recent report from the North Carolina Division of Air Quality shows high tree pollen counts and low weed and grass pollen counts. Oak and pine trees are behind the pollen.
• Pine pollen peaks in April: The greenish-yellow pine pollen tends to be worst in North Carolina in April and is thickest early in the morning on warm, dry, breezy days.
• Start meds early: Dr. Neeta Ogden, an allergist with the foundation, recommended starting allergy medications about two weeks before the season begins, which is typically early to mid-March in North Carolina.
• Common treatments: Options include antihistamines, nasal steroid or antihistamine sprays, saline nasal rinses and allergy eye drops, Ogden said. People with allergic asthma may also need inhalers.
• The allergist’s advice: “It’s a lot about reducing exposure and staying on top of your symptoms,” Ogden said.
The summary points above were compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists. The full story in the link at top was reported, written and edited entirely by journalists.
This story was originally published April 7, 2026 at 1:12 PM with the headline "Raleigh and Winston-Salem among worst U.S. cities for pollen allergies."
