Why Kentucky Ranks Among the Worst for Seasonal Allergies in the U.S.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

By Aniket Chakraborty May 13, 2025 Arrow

Over 100 million Americans suffer from allergies each year — and Kentucky tops many danger lists.

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Allergist Dr. Arfa Faiz stresses the importance of proper testing to know if it's truly an allergy.

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Only 55% of patients with symptoms actually test positive for allergies, says Faiz.

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The remaining 45% may suffer from nonallergic rhinitis — inflammation that mimics allergy symptoms.

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Allergy shots can be a powerful option when standard meds don’t work, especially for kids.

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Experts say avoiding outdoor exposure during peak pollen times can reduce symptoms.

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Wearing a mask outdoors is also effective, especially on high pollen-count days.

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Young kids with eczema or asthma are more likely to develop allergies, so early care is key.

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The CDC reports nearly 1 in 4 U.S. adults and 1 in 5 kids suffer from seasonal allergies.

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