How Climate Change is Worsening Seasonal Allergies
Seasonal allergies are becoming more intense and long-lasting due to a variety of factors, including warming temperatures and changes in the environment. Scientists report that these changes have led to an increase in allergens such as tree pollen and mold, which are thriving for longer periods and in higher quantities than in the past.
A report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 2021 found that 1 in 4 adults and 1 in 5 children in the United States experienced seasonal allergies. With the pollen season extending by as much as three weeks in some parts of North America, allergists are seeing an increase in patients seeking treatment.
Allergies can have a significant impact on health and productivity. A Swedish study estimated the economic impact of allergic rhinitis, or hay fever, to be around $1.43 billion in Sweden alone. In the United States, the annual cost of treating seasonal allergies is estimated at $3.4 billion.
The impact of allergens on health is also notable. Allergies can damage DNA in the nasal cavity and lungs, leading to inflammation and triggering asthma attacks. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimated that between 35,000 and 60,000 asthma-related emergency department visits are linked to pollen, with visits projected to increase by 14% by 2090.
Allergies are caused by the immune system reacting to harmless substances like pollen as though they were harmful intruders. This reaction leads to the release of histamines, causing inflammation and mucus production. Environmental factors such as air pollution and landscaping choices can exacerbate seasonal allergies.
Warmer temperatures have caused plants to produce pollen earlier and for longer periods, intensifying allergy symptoms. Air pollutants alter pollen's composition, making it more allergenic. Additionally, urban landscaping with male trees, which produce fewer fruits and seeds, can increase pollen counts.
Preventing and treating seasonal allergies can be challenging, but there are steps individuals can take to manage symptoms:
Check local pollen conditions: Monitoring pollen counts can help you avoid outdoor exposure when pollen levels are high.
Improve indoor air quality: Using air purifiers and showering after exposure to high pollen levels can reduce indoor allergens.
Landscape mindfully: Planting a variety of plants and choosing those pollinated by wildlife rather than wind can help minimize allergenic pollen.
Use over-the-counter medications: Intranasal corticosteroids and oral antihistamines can provide relief from allergy symptoms.
Consider immunotherapy: For severe allergies, allergists may recommend immunotherapy injections to desensitize the immune system over time.
