How Climate Change is Prolonging Allergy Seasons and Worsening Symptoms

If your allergies seem worse and last longer than they used to, you’re not imagining it. Climate change is making allergy seasons longer and more intense. But how exactly does this happen, and what can you do about it? Let’s break it down.

How Climate Change Affects Allergies

Warmer temperatures and changing weather patterns are altering pollen and allergen levels in several ways:

• Longer Growing Seasons: Rising temperatures mean plants produce pollen earlier in the spring and continue shedding it later into the fall.
• Increased Pollen Production: Higher levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) fuel plant growth, leading to more pollen overall.
• More Potent Allergens: Some studies suggest that pollen from plants exposed to high CO2 levels is more allergenic.
• Extreme Weather Events: Increased rainfall and storms can stir up mold spores and distribute pollen more widely.
• Worsening Air Quality: Higher pollution levels can irritate airways and make allergic reactions more severe.

Which Allergies Are Most Affected?

Certain allergens are becoming more problematic due to climate change:

• Tree Pollen: Spring pollen season is starting earlier and lasting longer.
• Grass Pollen: Warmer temperatures and increased CO2 make summer allergies worse.
• Ragweed Pollen: Fall allergy season is extending into November in many areas.
• Mold Spores: Increased humidity and storms contribute to higher indoor and outdoor mold levels.

How to Manage Allergy Symptoms in a Changing Climate

With allergy seasons becoming more intense, proactive management is key:

• Track Pollen Levels: Use online forecasts to plan outdoor activities on low-pollen days.
• Keep Windows Closed: Prevent pollen from entering your home, especially in the morning and evening.
• Use HEPA Filters: Air purifiers and HVAC filters can help remove allergens from indoor air.
• Shower and Change Clothes: After being outdoors, remove pollen from skin and hair.
• Start Medications Early: If you have seasonal allergies, begin antihistamines or nasal sprays before symptoms start.
• Consider Allergy Shots or Biologics: For severe cases, immunotherapy can help reduce long-term sensitivity.

FAQ: Understanding Climate and Allergies

Q: Is climate change really making allergies worse?
A: Yes. Scientific studies show that allergy seasons are lasting weeks longer and pollen counts are rising due to climate shifts.

Q: What areas are most affected?
A: Warmer regions and cities with high pollution tend to experience the worst allergy impacts.

Q: Can air pollution make allergies worse?
A: Yes! Pollution can irritate the airways and make pollen more potent, leading to more severe symptoms.

A Personal Story

One of my patients, Maria, never had spring allergies growing up. But in the last few years, she started experiencing itchy eyes, congestion, and fatigue every spring. A pollen tracker showed that her area’s allergy season had extended by nearly a month! Now, with early medication, lifestyle changes, and allergy shots, she’s able to manage her symptoms much better.

Climate change is affecting our health in ways we don’t always realize. If your allergies are worse than ever, it’s not just in your head—it’s in the air. Taking proactive steps can help you stay ahead of the symptoms and breathe easier all year long.

What are you waiting for?  If you or your child need help controlling allergies or if you think you need testing or treatment or that you might be a good candidate for allergy shots, Dr. Wendt and her team staff at Relieve Allergy, Asthma & Hives would love to help. Call for testing or treatment today!

Call 480-500-1902 or request an appointment at https://relieveallergyaz.com/contact now!  Begin your allergy testing journey with Dr. Wendt at Relieve Allergy in Scottsdale, Arizona—It’s time to take care of yourself!

Learn more about Dr. Wendt and Relieve Allergy Asthma & Hives at www.relieveallergyaz.com or connect with us: https://www.facebook.com/RelieveAllergy/, https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-wendt/, https://x.com/RelieveAllergy, https://www.instagram.com/relieve_allergy/ or https://www.youtube.com/@JulieWendt-qx7jm.

Did you know? Dr. Wendt wrote the book on allergies.  Buy it NOW!

Relieve Allergy Asthma & Hives is located near Kierland Commons, 21803 N. Scottsdale Road Ste. 200, and has convenient evening and morning hours to accommodate your schedule. Dr. Wendt is also available for telemedicine appointments as appropriate. Most insurance plans are accepted.

DISCLAIMER: This blog is not meant to substitute for medical care by an Allergist-Immunologist nor is it intended to provide medical advice or imply a Physician-Patient relationship with its readers or their family. It is intended to provide guidance, direction, and moral support from someone experienced in testing and treating allergies. This is also not meant to be a “do-it-yourself” manual or a “how to” overcome your allergies. Some of the issues mentioned, whether allergic or look-a-like, can be dangerous or if left unchecked, deadly. Please develop a relationship with a Physician you trust to help you with diagnosis, advice, questions, and treatment regarding your and your family’s medical conditions.