Photo: PHILIPPE HUGUEN / AFP / Getty Images
If you're experiencing worsening seasonal allergies, you're not alone. Allergy seasons are becoming longer and more intense due to climate and environmental changes. According to Dr. David Gudis, head of the Rhinology Division at NewYork-Presbyterian Medical Center, these changes are causing more severe allergy symptoms for many individuals.
The American Lung Association reports that climate change is extending the allergy season by approximately three weeks compared to 50 years ago. Warmer temperatures and increased levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide are contributing to a rise in pollen production, with plants producing about 20% more pollen than in the past. This results in longer and more severe allergy seasons, impacting over 1 in 3 adults and 1 in 4 children in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Dr. Gudis advises using over-the-counter medications such as nasal steroid sprays, antihistamine sprays, and oral antihistamines to manage symptoms. Additionally, he recommends staying indoors with air-conditioning during high pollen counts and keeping windows shut.
Moving to a new location or changes in the immune system can also trigger allergies later in life. As Dr. Rebecca Saff from Massachusetts General Hospital explains, climate change and pollution are altering the patterns of allergies, making them less predictable and more severe.
To minimize the impact of allergies, experts suggest checking local pollen levels before going outside, using air purifiers indoors, and considering immunotherapy for severe cases. As climate change continues to affect allergy patterns, individuals are encouraged to stay informed and prepared for longer and more intense allergy seasons.
Photo Credit: Getty Images