Feeling sneezy? If you find yourself reaching for that Kleenex, it's because Greenville is among the Top 10 allergy capitals in the U.S. This data is based on the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America's Allergy Capitals report, which explores the challenges of living with seasonal allergies in the Top 100 U.S. cities. Greenville ranked No. 9 in the report, just ahead of Greensboro, North Carolina.
The report highlights that various factors determine the allergy capitals, including tree, grass, and weed pollen scores throughout the year, the use of over-the-counter allergy medications, and the availability of board-certified allergists and immunologists. This year, Wichita, Kansas, was named the top allergy capital for the third time due to its worse-than-average tree and grass pollen, high usage of allergy medications, and a low number of healthcare professionals specializing in allergies.
It's insightful to understand the types of pollen that cause these issues. Tree pollen is the first to appear each year, predominantly from February through April. For Southern regions, trees might even begin releasing pollen as early as December or January. Grass pollen tends to trigger allergy symptoms primarily in late spring, from April through early June, while ragweed pollen can provoke reactions starting in August, typically peaking in mid-September. Ragweed season can extend up to 10 weeks, continuing until the first frost arrives.
Common symptoms of allergic rhinitis, which is often triggered by seasonal allergies, include a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, red and watery eyes, and itchy sensations around the nose, eyes, ears, or mouth. Allergic asthma may bring about more severe symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing, chest tightness, and even waking at night from breathing difficulties.
Given Greenville's position on the allergy capitals list, it’s essential for residents to know effective ways to manage their pollen allergies. To reduce exposure, one should aim to prevent pollen from entering the eyes, nose, mouth, and lungs. This can involve staying indoors on high pollen days, using air purifiers, and taking allergy medications as prescribed. Many also find that rinsing their noses with saline solutions or exploring immunotherapy can offer relief.
As noted, Greenville ranks No. 9 among the top ten allergy capitals for 2025:
- No. 1: Wichita, Kansas
- No. 2: New Orleans, Louisiana
- No. 3: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
- No. 4: Tulsa, Oklahoma
- No. 5: Memphis, Tennessee
- No. 6: Little Rock, Arkansas
- No. 7: Raleigh, North Carolina
- No. 8: Richmond, Virginia
- No. 9: Greenville, South Carolina
- No. 10: Greensboro, North Carolina
This report sheds light on an issue that affects many residents, reminding them to be aware of their surroundings and health conditions during pollen seasons. For those considering moving to Greenville, being informed about its allergy challenges may be crucial when making such a decision.
