Seasonal allergies and Climate change

It is no wonder why winters are getting warmer year after year. Due to global climate changes, seasons tend to start earlier than expected. Same way allergy season is getting longer as time passes by. Millions of Americans are affected by seasonal allergies. As climate changes and temperature gets warmer, seasonal allergies are worsened due to increased duration of exposure to triggers that exacerbate seasonal allergies.

Learning about triggers that exacerbate seasonal allergy is helpful to reduce exposure and attacks of seasonal allergies. Most common triggers of seasonal allergies are Pollen, Mould, and Dust Mites. Pollen tops the list because of breadth and diversity of exposure that can happen in day-to-day life. Pollen is broadly three types. They are tree pollen, grass pollen, and weed pollen.

Tree pollen is most common due to its spread widely in vast locations due to their height and wind. Tree pollen generally peaks from March to May, Grass pollen typically peaks in late spring or early summer (May to July), and Weed pollen typically peaks in late summer of fall (August to November).

Pollen activity is high in dry, hot, and windy climates, and during early morning through mid-day. Pollen activity is low after rain, humid, and during late evenings. Mold is the next most common trigger of seasonal allergies. A hot and humid environment encourages growth of mold in various indoor and outdoor places like basements, bathroom, kitchen sinks, decomposing plants and leaves, particularly during summer. Dust Mites that feed on dead skin cells grow best in hot and humid conditions in blankets, pillows, and carpets. The chemicals from their body shells and feces are primary allergic substances.

Symptoms like nasal congestion and discharge, watering and itching in eyes, sore throat, coughing, sneezing, and fatigue should make a person think of seasonal allergies. There are many over the counter medications and prescription medications available for seasonal allergies. But still there are many ways a person can prevent triggering seasonal allergies. Always patients must seek doctor's opinion if symptoms persist despite following various preventive measures and using over the counter medication.

Like measures that stop climate change, there are measures that prevent seasonal allergies. The measures that reduce pollen exposure are showering and washing clothes after outdoor activity, using air purifier, closing windows during high pollen activity, tracking pollen activity and limiting outdoor activities when pollen count is high, and reducing time with pets after outdoor activity. The measures to reduce mold exposure include reducing outdoor exposure by avoiding places with mold and wearing protective gear like dust mask and sunglasses, reducing indoor exposure by cleaning and fixing the leaks, proactive checking of trashcan and other places that have potential to grow mold.

The measures to reduce dust mite exposure are regular washing of bedding, using dustproof cover, reducing indoor humidity, and removing dust with vacuuming regularly. Seasonal allergies are common but following precautionary measures should be a norm which is equally important