South Carolina city ranks as one of nation’s worst for seasonal allergies. Here’s why

If you have seasonal allergies, a South Carolina city may be one of the nation’s worst places to be around this time of year.

The Greenville area ranks No. 10 on a list of places that are “most challenging” for those who suffer sneezing, itchy eyes and other miserable symptoms as plants release their pollen.

The region was named one of the nation’s “allergy capitals” after a nonprofit called Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America said it studied 100 of the most populated U.S. metropolitan areas. Using 2022 data from a health care database and other resources, the nonprofit scored each place for pollen levels, over-the-counter medication use and the presence of doctors who specialize in allergy care.

Greenville earned a top spot on the list after it ranked high for grass and weed pollen counts. It also scored “worse than average” in the medication category, according to results published Thursday, March 16.

But the Greenville area isn’t the only place where South Carolinians with allergies might experience discomfort. The Columbia metro landed at No. 33 and Charleston at No. 51 on the national list, both earning “average” scores.

Despite the latest ranking, the Greenville area has earned spots on several best-of lists. Recently, the Upstate city was named one of the South’s “best-kept secrets,” and Greenville County ranked as South Carolina’s top place to call home, The State and McClatchy News reported.

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America’s list was published ahead of spring, which is one of the times when plants release pollen. That may trigger seasonal allergies, which have symptoms that can include sneezing, runny nose and itchy or watery eyes, according to the National Library of Medicine.

“While it is best to avoid pollen allergy triggers, that may not always be possible, as this report makes clear,” Dr. Neeta Ogden, an allergist and spokesperson for the foundation, wrote in a news release. “Working with a specialist can offer you solutions to improve your quality of life.”

Overall, the nation’s worst-ranking place for allergies was Wichita, Kansas. Rounding out the top five:

• Dallas, Texas

• Scranton, Pennsylvania

• Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

• Tulsa, Oklahoma

Meanwhile, the “least challenging” region for people with allergies is near Buffalo, New York, results show.

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America said a lack of data for Alaska and Hawaii, 19 days of missing pollen counts and the focus on non-prescription allergy and sinus medicines are among its report’s limitations.

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