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Scientists believe that allergies are getting worse because of climate change.
Allergy season is one of those things that cannot be avoided. Scientists believe that allergies may be getting worse because of climate change. Warmer temperatures cause plants to bloom sooner and increase pollen generation, resulting in more pollen in the air. Thus, the allergy season in 2021 may be the worst yet.
Sudden exposure to pollen or other pollutants may trigger allergies. This may be more of a perception problem. Compared to last year more people are outdoors, increasing pollen exposure.
A 2020 University of Wisconsin study discovered that the allergy season has been becoming longer and harsher for the past 30 years.
- Recent research suggested that the pollen season rose by 20 days each year between 1990 and 2018.
- Simultaneously, pollen concentrations have grown by 21 percent in North America over the same period.
- In other words, pollen season is lasting much longer than it used to, and because there is more pollen in the air, more people are impacted.
Do allergies in children differ from allergies in adults?
It is believed that it is more challenging to treat allergies in children than adults.
- Children spend more time outside, so they are exposed to more pollen. They even go out on high pollen days, unlike adults.
- Adults try to prevent themselves from exposing to pollen by rolling windows by driving and performing activities in confined places. They may even outgrow allergies that they had in childhood.
Children with a family history of allergies tend to develop allergic diseases. Doctors search for four major allergic disorders in children with a significant family history of allergies, especially those who exhibit symptoms early in life, such as eczema, food allergies, nasal allergies, and asthma. These allergic disorders are becoming more and more common.
Allergies in spring versus fall
There is a significant difference between detecting allergies in the spring and fall.
- The severe allergy season has been exacerbated by the mild winter, the transition from winter to spring is more visible.
- Temperatures increase above freezing, causing snow to melt, plants to flower and bud, and more foliage to appear.
Because of the milder temperatures, mold that would typically die off in the winter months persists. Many people have had severe allergies as a result of this, as well as exceptionally high quantities of tree pollen.
Even those who ordinarily have no allergies or just experience minor symptoms have had severe responses this spring. So, if you have seen unusual allergy responses in 2021, you are not alone.
12 symptoms of seasonal allergies
The 12 symptoms of seasonal allergies may range from mild to severe and include:
- Cough
- Congestion
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Runny nose
- Fatigue
- Breathing difficulty
- Itching of the eyes, nose, and ears
- Skin rash with an itch
- Allergic conjunctivitis (red eye)
- Sneezing
- Watery eyes
11 treatment options for seasonal allergies
There is no escape from seasonal allergies who are sensitized to climate change and all other factors associated with climate change. However, you may reduce the symptoms by following a few tips.
- Try to stay indoors on the days with a high pollen level
- Take over-the-counter antihistamines, such as loratadine, cetirizine, or fexofenadine in case of irritation
- Sneezing and nasal congestion may be reduced by nasal sprays containing fluticasone or azelastine
- Use eye drops to reduce the symptoms of eye irritation or infection
- Begin taking allergy medication before the pollen season begins to prevent inflammation and make your symptoms simpler to manage
- To reduce pollen exposure, wear a hat and sunglasses outside
- Close your windows and use air conditioning
- Use a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) purifier in house and office
- Shower before going to bed (this will remove all the pollen and dust particles that settle on your body’s surface)
- Always change your clothing while you come inside your home to prevent the pollen to spread in your clean surroundings
- Weekly, wash your sheets and other linens in hot, soapy water
In case of severe symptoms, such as breathlessness, you must seek immediate medical attention to alleviate the symptoms. The doctor may prescribe immunotherapy injections that boost your immunity to fight allergy triggers.