Worsening allergy season: Is climate change to blame?

Scientists have long known that as climate change causes the planet to warm, plants produce more pollen, making allergy seasons longer and more pronounced

Now, a new survey finds hay fever sufferers are increasingly taking notice

In a survey of more than 2,000 U.

For most people, seasonal sneezing isn't a walk in the park -- 74 percent said their symptoms had a negative impact on their overall quality of life

As part of the survey, about 1,500 respondents with allergies rated their level of agreement or disagreement with a range of statements, including: "I feel my seasonal allergies are getting worse every year.

Participants were divided on these claims

"For many people, their symptoms worsen each year, or occur throughout the year, or start earlier in this season than in recent years," Steinberg said

As global warming intensifies, the trend toward longer and stronger pollen seasons may become more pronounced for those affected

"Those who say (allergies) seem to be getting worse, are likely to have more problems, based on the scientific data we have about rising temperatures and increased pollen," Dr.

"If the warming trend continues, we may see more and more pollen as the seasons roll in," he said

In a recent study, researchers simulated future pollen production and concluded that total pollen emissions will increase by 40 percent by 2100

These increases would increase pollen production that began decades ago

The higher the temperature, the bigger the flowers

According to William Anderegg, an associate professor of biology at the University of Utah, climate change has a dual impact on pollen counts—both higher temperatures and increased carbon dioxide emissions are drivers of pollen production

"The science linking climate change to longer, more severe pollen seasons is very, very clear

These byproducts of human activity also shorten winters and lengthen the spring and fall growing seasons

Finman and his Atlanta staff have tracked the area's daily pollen levels for more than 40 years
.
In 2021, they used the data to publish a study showing that pollen emissions from oak trees had increased by 5% per year over the previous 27 years
.

Finman said he typically advises patients to start their allergy medication two weeks before pollen season begins
.
This date is getting earlier as the pollen season gets longer
.

For years, this day has been around St.
Patrick's Day
.
Next, is Valentine's Day
.
Over the past two years, pollen counts in the Atlanta area have reached a high point, forcing him to notify patients around Groundhog Day
.

These shifts can be confusing for long-term allergy sufferers, who are used to taking antihistamines or receiving their first immunotherapy at predictable times each year
.
Allergy treatment is usually most effective when started before symptoms appear
.

When a patient is unprepared, "it can get really bad," Andreeg said
.
"I hear this a lot from allergy specialists
.
Patients are caught off guard because the pollen season starts much earlier
.
"

Current seasonal allergy trends have major implications for public health and well-being
.
Between 10 and 30 percent of the world's population is affected by hay fever, and prevalence is rising
.
For many people, the disease is a serious burden with widespread effects
.
For example, in the HealthDay/Harris Poll, more than 70 percent of allergy sufferers said their symptoms interfered with their ability to get a good night's rest
.

The consequences of seasonal allergies and increased pollen counts can also manifest in indirect ways
.

"There's a fairly extensive literature linking it to economic productivity, workers' ability to work, and kids," Anderegg explained
.
"It's really hard for kids to learn and be successful in school when they're also suffering
.
"

Another economic consequence is that pollen-related medical costs exceed $3 billion a year, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
.

Millions of people are experiencing the effects of climate change first-hand as pollen seasons worsen and lengthen
.
Given the prevalence of seasonal allergies, this trend presents an opportunity
.

"There are really big benefits to tackling climate change aggressively and urgently," Andreger said
.
"If we tackle climate change, we can avoid about half of the pollen season's worsening growth, maybe even worse
.
"