2026 Allergy Capitals Report: The Most Challenging Places to Live in the U.S. with Seasonal Allergies

In this episode, Jenna Riemenschneider, AAFA’s Vice President of Advocacy and Policy, and Hannah Jaffee, AAFA’s Director of Research talk about allergies and our Allergy Capitals report. This report analyzes data from across the United States and ranks the 100 largest cities where it is challenging to live with allergies. The episode also highlights the impacts of climate change, tips to manage allergies, and steps communities can take to improve the quality of life for people with pollen allergies.

In this episode, AAFA talks to Linda Nozart-Frierson, MPH, BSRT, RRT, AE-C about community health, asthma disparities, and the role of respiratory therapists. Linda shares her personal journey with asthma and emphasizes the importance of understanding the seriousness of the condition and advocating for better health outcomes. This episode highlights the need for better access to resources for communities with the highest rates and burden of asthma.

In this episode, Jennifer Namazy, MD, talks about how pregnancy can affect asthma and the importance of managing asthma while pregnant. She discusses the importance of medicine, the RSV vaccine and the Breathe 4 Baby initiative. The episode also highlights the significance of education for both people with asthma and health care professionals.

In this episode, Dr. Michael Pistiner and Dr. Amanda Cox talk about food allergies and severe allergic reactions in infants and toddlers. They discuss the definition and symptoms of anaphylaxis, the importance of recognizing signs in young children, and the latest research impacting management and treatment options. The conversation also highlights the emotional and social challenges faced by families and the need for support systems and action plans to manage food allergies.

Kenny Mendez, AAFA’s President and CEO, and Jenna Riemenschneider, AAFA’s Vice President of Advocacy and Policy discuss indoor air quality, its impacts on human health, and how you can advocate for better indoor air.

Neeta Ogden, MD explains steps you can take to protect your and your family's lung health during the asthma peak in September. AAFA released its 2024 Asthma Capitals report during the asthma peak to help raise awareness about the nationwide impacts of asthma.

Melanie Carver, AAFA's Chief Mission Officer, talks about how fall seasonal allergies, extreme weather and fires, respiratory infections, and school building environments all influence the asthma peak this time of year.