Understanding the Surge in Pollen Allergies: A Common Plight
Springtime brings discomfort for a significant portion of American adults, with symptoms like itchiness, watery eyes, and congestion becoming increasingly unbearable.
Roughly 1 in 4 American adults experience itchy, eye-watering, and congested misery when spring blooms arrive. Experts agree that the situation is worsening as more people are developing allergies to airborne irritants like pollen and mold. Allergy symptoms are becoming more severe, and allergy seasons are lasting longer than before.
You might be noticing more pollen in the air, even if you don't suffer from hay fever. Research indicates that pollen can affect the immune system, even if it doesn't cause inflammation in your airways.
If you're experiencing these symptoms, know that you're not the only one.
Blame climate change
Scientists say intensified seasonal allergies are among the first wave of anticipated health impacts from global warning, along with greater exposure to infectious diseases.
Recent research indicates that as the climate warms, growing zones in the US are shifting. This shift is enabling plants and trees to expand their ranges. Due to rising temperatures, plants are blooming earlier and for longer periods, leading to extended pollen seasons. Additionally, increased rainfall is causing plants to release more pollen during blooming, while a higher frequency of thunderstorms is causing pollen grains to burst, making them more irritating and exacerbating symptoms.
In certain regions, changing wind patterns are carrying pollen over greater distances, contributing to the spread of allergens.
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Dr. Mary Margaret Johnson, a principal research scientist at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, mentioned that pollen distribution is expanding in certain regions. This means that people may now be exposed to new types of pollen compared to before.
Additionally, there is evidence suggesting that the rise in carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere is also contributing to the increased potency of pollen.
Researchers in South Korea conducted an experiment where they grew oak trees in chambers with controlled carbon dioxide levels, simulating the projected concentration in 2050. The trees were planted in September 2009.
Eight years later, the oak trees bloomed, and researchers collected and studied the pollen they produced. Lewis Ziska, an associate professor at Columbia University, shared that the study revealed a significant increase in the number of pollen grains produced. Notably, the pollen appeared to be more allergenic.
"The protein on the outer shell of pollen, known as exine, is increasing. These proteins can trigger your immune system to react," he mentioned, pointing out that similar findings were observed in ragweed plants.
In addition to the stronger pollen, the large amounts of it could also be a concern. Experts believe that increased exposure to pollen can lead to higher chances of developing sensitivities and ultimately more allergies.
Global sales of antihistamines, which are medications that help reduce allergy symptoms, are projected to increase significantly in the next ten years, according to market research website market.us.
Allergists are expected to see a rise in demand for their services.
Dr. Joseph Inglefield III, an allergist who owns Hickory Allergy and Asthma in Hickory, North Carolina, has noticed a trend in spring allergies over the last thirty years. He mentions that allergies now start at least a month earlier than they did before.
For the second consecutive year, the region has experienced abundant rain but no snow, according to Inglefield. This weather pattern is leading to high concentrations of spring pollen.
Inglefield mentioned that pollen counts in February were unusually high, indicating a potential for heavy pollen levels in the upcoming spring.
Red oak (lat. Quercus rubra) blooms, inflorescences bloom. Red oak (lat. Quercus rubra) is a tree, a species of the genus Oak of the Beech family (Fagaceae). Spring.
Red oak (lat. Quercus rubra) blooms, inflorescences bloom. Red oak (lat. Quercus rubra) is a tree, a species of the genus Oak of the Beech family (Fagaceae). Spring.
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Feeling overwhelmed by your pollen allergies? Here's a possible reason why. A recent study looked at pollen counts and temperature changes in the US over the last 30 years. The study discovered a clear connection between temperature and the severity of allergy seasons.
Pollen season has started about 20 days earlier and lasted eight days longer as the weather warms up. Additionally, there has been about 20% more pollen produced annually, mainly because trees are producing more of the yellow-green stuff. The study authors have observed that these trends are accelerating over time, with the most significant increases in the most recent years.
As you move further north, the trends become even more pronounced.
As you move closer to the poles, things are warming up quicker, according to Ziska. This means that people in Illinois may be experiencing more significant changes in pollen compared to those in Texas. However, Texas also deals with high levels of pollen.
Inglefield notes that his patients are reporting more severe allergies and needing more medications to control them. He mentions that this is a common experience among them.
More bad news
Unfortunately, the bad news for those with allergies doesn't end here. According to Dr. Leonard Bielory, an allergist and professor at the Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine in New Jersey, research shows that the number of allergens people are sensitive to has doubled in the last 25 years.
Climate may be a factor in the increase of allergies, according to Bielory. However, he suggests that there may be more to it than just climate alone.
Bielory explains that while many people attribute the rise in allergies to climate change, it could also be related to changes in our microbiome. The microbiome refers to the bacterial communities that reside on our skin and in our gut. These changes may be influencing how our immune system reacts to pollen, potentially priming it to overreact.
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If you're not finding relief with allergy medications or relying on a rescue inhaler frequently, it may be worth exploring immunotherapy. This treatment helps to soothe the immune system and reduce its strong reactions to triggers, according to Inglefield.
For allergies caused by grass, ragweed, or dust mites, there are now tablets available. However, if trees are the main issue, allergy shots are the most effective option.
Inglefield suggested, "That's probably the most effective thing you can do at this point."
He explained, "It may not help you this season, but it will definitely benefit you next spring, so you won't have as much trouble."
Editor's P/S:
The article highlights the alarming escalation of seasonal allergies due to climate change, a concerning trend that is impacting millions of Americans. The shifting growing zones, earlier blooming periods, and increased rainfall are all contributing to extended pollen seasons and more potent pollen. This intensification of allergies is not just a seasonal annoyance but a significant health issue that requires attention.
The evidence presented in the article suggests that the rise in carbon dioxide levels is also a contributing factor to the increased potency of pollen. Researchers have observed an increase in the number of pollen grains produced and a higher allergen content in the pollen. This means that people are not only exposed to more pollen but also to pollen that is more likely to trigger allergic reactions. The increase in pollen exposure, coupled with the changing nature of the pollen itself, is creating a perfect storm for allergy sufferers.
