City in Iowa Ranks #8 For Worst Allergies in U.S.

Allergy season is here and if you've spent any amount of time in the Hawkeye State, you know it can be brutal on some of its residents. Claritin, Benadryl and every other remedy known to man is flying off the shelves this time of year, and for good reason. Because, as it turns out, Iowa is one of the worst states for allergies in the entire US.

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America recently released its list of the "Allergy Capitals of the US" and one city in Iowa ranks in the top 10 this year.

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What Factors Determine the Allergy Capitals of the US?

According to the AAFA, the list is determined by how high the pollen count is, along with tree, grass, and weed pollen. Based on these factors, here is a look at the top 10 worst cities for allergies in 2024:

1. Wichita, Kansas,
2. Virginia Beach, Virginia
3. Greenville, South Carolina
4. Dallas, Texas
5. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
6. Tulsa, Oklahoma
7. Richmond, Virginia
8. Des Moines, Iowa
9. Raleigh, North Carolina
10. Fayetteville, Arkansas

Interestingly enough, Des Moines, Iowa is one of only two Midwest Cities in the top ten, with the other being Wichita, Kansas.

So, what makes spring allergies so difficult to deal with in Des Moines? According to the Des Moines Register, a lot of it has to do with the high humidity in Iowa. Combine that with above-average temperatures this winter and you get a recipe for disaster when it comes to allergies.

To read the full list of the worst cities in the US for allergies in 2024, check out the article from AAFA here.

Story Sources: Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America Website, Des Moines Register