Climate change is not only affecting the health of our planet, but also the health of humans.

Many of the illnesses it causes include seasonal allergies, commonly known as hay fever or allergic rhinitis.

The most bothersome allergy symptoms, such as runny nose, itchy eyes, sneezing and coughing, are made worse by changes in temperature and increased levels of carbon dioxide, which increase the ability of plants to produce pollen for longer and in greater quantities.

These impacts are becoming even more widespread due to climate change. Understanding the science behind why this is happening is the first step toward finding solutions.

Causes of allergies

When a foreign substance enters the body, the immune system mistakes it for a harmful invader, resulting in an allergy, even if the substance is harmless.

In most cases, environmental allergens, such as pollen, trigger these reactions.

“The immune system releases histamines when it detects an allergen, such as pollen. These chemicals trigger mucus production and increase inflammation, leading to the well-known symptoms of seasonal allergies – a runny nose and cough,” explains Dr Rakesh Pandit, senior consultant and HOD, internal medicine, Aakash Healthcare, New Delhi.

Research suggests that allergies are caused by both environmental and genetic factors present during development.

“Serious illnesses, especially in children, can be caused by seasonal allergies, or they can worsen underlying problems such as asthma,” said Dr Prashant Sinha, head of the emergency department at PSRI Hospital in New Delhi.

In addition to respiratory problems, including asthma and chronic sinusitis, long-term allergic rhinitis can lead to severe eczema (dry, itchy and flaky skin that weakens the skin barrier).

The impact of climate change and seasonal allergies

Pollen is produced by plants during frost-free weather, when temperatures remain above zero degrees Celsius.

During this period, the buds open, allowing pollinators, such as bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies, to reach the flowers’ anthers and stigmas to deposit pollen for fertilization.

During this brief seasonal period, wind also helps spread pollen from plant to plant. Climate change causes global warming and an increase in frost-free periods to give plants more time to produce pollen.

Pollen season is starting earlier and lasting longer. A recent study found that warming has caused pollen season to become 20 days longer on average.

Additionally, carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, increases pollen production by plants.

How to treat allergies?

In addition to taking medication, people can reduce their exposure to allergens by using masks, bathing frequently, using netipots, and wearing fresh clothes when entering indoors.

If you must go outside, wearing sunglasses and a hat can help create a protective shield against pollen.

Cleaning clothes worn outside and washing your hair before bed may also reduce symptoms.

Using saline solution to wash your eyes and nose, closing windows, and keeping air filters in your home are additional strategies to prevent symptoms.

By understanding how climate change affects allergies and taking proactive measures, individuals can better manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.