Health
Climate Change Worsens Allergy and Asthma Symptoms
Experts Warn of Longer and Harsher Pollen Seasons
For Allergy and Asthma Sufferers, Climate Change Means Worse Symptoms and Harsher Seasons
If you suffer from allergies or asthma, you may have noticed that pollen season is getting worse and negatively impacting your symptoms. Experts from the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI) warn that pollen season is starting earlier and lasting longer than in past decades due to changes in the climate. This phenomenon is characterized by warmer temperatures, longer growing seasons, and decreased air quality. As a result, those with allergies and asthma need to adjust their management plans accordingly.
New research from the National Institute of Food and Agriculture indicates that “pollen seasons start 20 days earlier, are 10 days longer, and feature 21% more pollen than in 1990.” This increase in pollen means more days of suffering from asthma and allergy symptoms. Those with allergies and asthma across the country are aware that they need to start medications sooner, as symptoms arrive earlier and stay longer. Allergists are watching their patients sneezing, wheezing, and dripping more, but they have the tools to help.
May is Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month, a time to shine a spotlight on asthma and allergies, along with the latest news and important developments. Many people don’t know that allergists are experts in treating asthma, and that nasal allergies and asthma are closely linked. Allergists are specialists who can help get asthma symptoms under control.
If you have a pollen allergy and breathe in pollen-heavy air, you may experience symptoms such as sneezing, nasal congestion, a runny nose, watery eyes, itchy throat and eyes, and wheezing. Pollen can also aggravate asthma symptoms, including increased coughing and wheezing. Allergists recommend avoiding pollen if you have allergic reactions.
For those with severe pollen allergies, two immunotherapy options are available: allergy shots and tablets that dissolve under the tongue, which are now available by prescription for people suffering from grass and ragweed allergies. These medications must be started 12 weeks before symptoms are expected to begin.
Nasal allergies and asthma are connected, and many people suffer from both. Allergic asthma, where allergies are triggers for asthma symptoms, is the most common type of asthma. Research shows the frequency of children with nasal allergies who also have asthma can be as high as 80 percent. Recent research has also shown that about 75 percent of adults aged 20-40 with asthma have at least one allergy.
“The same things that trigger your seasonal ‘hay fever’ symptoms – things like pollen, dust mites, mold, and pet dander – can also cause asthma symptoms,” says Dr. May. “If you have allergies, and you are wheezing or coughing, an allergist can determine if you also have asthma. Allergists are specialists at treating asthma and can put together a treatment plan to help you deal with both conditions.”
In conclusion, climate change has resulted in a worsening of pollen season for allergy and asthma sufferers. Those with allergies and asthma need to adjust their management plans accordingly, as pollen season is starting earlier and lasting longer than in past decades. Allergists can help get asthma symptoms under control and provide treatment plans to deal with both allergies and asthma.