If you’ve been sneezing more than usual this spring in New Orleans, you’re not alone. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), the Crescent City was recently ranked the second-worst city in the U.S. for seasonal allergies. That’s right—only Wichita, Kansas fared worse. For locals, this might not come as a surprise, but the reasons behind the ranking are deeper than just high pollen counts.
Pollen and Prescription Pads
The AAFA’s 2025 Allergy Capitals report didn’t just count the pollen in the air. The ranking factored in tree, grass, and weed pollen, as well as over-the-counter medication usage and availability of board-certified allergists. New Orleans scored particularly high on both pollen presence and the number of residents turning to medication for relief. That tells a story of widespread symptoms—and few solutions.
Why It’s Worse This Year
Climate change is supercharging allergy season. Longer growing seasons and warmer temperatures mean trees are producing more pollen—and doing it earlier in the year. A recent wave of warm, wet weather in Louisiana has only intensified this year’s bloom, leading to what local allergists are calling a “perfect storm” for allergy sufferers. Pollen clouds have visibly coated cars, porches, and sidewalks, and emergency rooms have reported increases in asthma-related visits.
It’s Not Just the Flowers
Add in New Orleans’ aging infrastructure and lush, subtropical vegetation, and you get a recipe for persistent allergy triggers. Mold thrives in our humid climate, and many older homes have ventilation systems that make it worse. Combine that with pollen-producing plants in nearly every yard, and even staying indoors doesn’t guarantee relief.
What You Can Do
Doctors recommend a multi-pronged approach: keep windows closed, invest in HEPA air filters, and shower after being outdoors. But long-term solutions—like improving urban tree planning, reducing emissions, and increasing access to allergy care—require city-wide initiatives.
Bottom Line
New Orleans might be known for its charm and greenery, but for allergy sufferers, springtime here can be misery. With climate patterns shifting and pollen counts on the rise, the city’s allergy problem isn’t going away anytime soon. If local leaders don’t start treating this like the public health issue it is, the rankings next year could get even worse.
FAQ: Seasonal Allergies in New Orleans
Why is New Orleans ranked so high for seasonal allergies?
The city has high levels of tree, grass, and weed pollen, compounded by widespread allergy symptoms and heavy medication usage. Limited access to allergy specialists also contributes to its ranking.
When is allergy season in New Orleans?
Allergy season typically begins as early as February and can extend through late fall. Spring and early summer are peak times for pollen, especially from trees and grasses.
Does climate change affect allergies in New Orleans?
Yes. Warmer temperatures and longer growing seasons mean plants produce more pollen—and start earlier. This leads to longer and more intense allergy seasons.
What helps reduce allergy symptoms in this region?
Doctors recommend staying indoors during high pollen hours, using HEPA filters, showering after time outside, and taking antihistamines. Nasal rinses and wearing masks outdoors can also help.
Are there local resources for allergy relief?
New Orleans has several board-certified allergists, though availability can be limited. The city could benefit from more public awareness, improved access to care, and better air quality initiatives.
