Back in March, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America came out with its annual list of Allergy Capitals. New Orleans was proud to take home the #2 spot on this year’s list! This is a big reversal for the city, which has come under escalating criticism from allergy sufferers over the past few years. For the last three years, Wichita, Kansas has been sitting atop that lofty perch ranked number one. Unfortunately, this trend leaves a particularly bad impact on Southern and Eastern cities, where residents are facing a great increase in pollen and other allergens.
The increasing severity and occurrence of pollen allergies is indicative of an even larger problem. The allergy season is getting longer overall, and it’s coming much earlier each year. As alluded to in the opening example, increasing numbers of professionals are lamenting that pollen allergy season has become a year-round ordeal. In the backdrop of climate change making storms less predictable, people are feeling the impact more intensely.
Previously, experts had thought most people formed their allergies between ages 10 and 30. It’s well-documented that adults can acquire hay fever at any age. In fact, extreme allergic reactions can even induce asthma. Symptoms related to pollen allergies can include rashes, eczema, and asthma.
The high humidity that plagues New Orleans year-round only adds to that issue. Higher humidity leads to higher mold counts and increased exposure to dust mites, both of which can result in worsened allergy symptoms. Extreme weather events, including high-wind thunderstorms, wildfires, and hurricanes—all of which may be intensified by climate change—widely disperse pollen. It complicates allergy management significantly for residents.
“As temperatures rise and humidity patterns change, we are seeing changes in pollen patterns,” – Huntwork
With such a changing landscape of possible allergens out there, that makes it so individuals need to be more alert than ever. New research reveals that one in four adults now suffers from seasonal allergies. Women are more likely than men to experience these symptoms. In addition, local folklore about treatments—like eating local honey to get used to the local pollen—has been disproved.
“That’s really more of a myth than a fact,” – James
Climate change isn’t the only factor in worsening allergy season, as the presence of pollution compounds allergy symptoms. Since pollen can stick to pollution, climate change can make pollen hang around for longer periods of time and make allergies more severe.
“The pollen can attach to these pollution particles and stay around longer,” – James
In New Orleans, pride in its picturesque oak-lined streets could spell disaster in the spring during allergy season. The glorious beauty of these trees unfortunately creates a spike in allergens pollen that troubles half of all Houston residents.
“We certainly take pride in our beautiful oak-lined streets here, but it can be our downfall in allergy season,” – Huntwork
Healthcare experts like Dr. Sharma and Wisconsinites for Health Care urge anyone suffering from respiratory illness to contact a doctor. Asthma symptoms like coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath can be dangerous asthma emergencies that need to be addressed right away.
“If you have any breathing symptoms like coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, this is a sign of asthma and you need to see a doctor,” – Parikh
Climate change’s impact of causing longer allergy seasons and more severe allergic reactions has made many jaws drop at the news, but we shouldn’t be surprised. Climate change has recently been acknowledged as one of the most important factors driving this transition.
“People are surprised allergy seasons are getting longer and stronger, but that’s due to climate change,” – Parikh
With the increasing impact of seasonal allergies due to climate change on public health, education is key. Health professionals should help people learn more about their symptoms and which treatments work best. Nonallergic rhinitis — which is caused by non-environmental allergens that irritate the nasal passage — can produce symptoms similar to those seen in allergies.
“A stuffy or runny nose might indicate nonallergic rhinitis, a condition triggered by irritants, temperature, or humidity, rather than environmental allergens,” – Abreo
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