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Are allergy seasons getting worse each year?

Are allergy seasons getting worse each year?

 

Spring is synonymous with reawakening, a shedding of the old season as we slip into a fresher state of mind… and it’s also hello to allergy season! 

A not-so-charming side-effect of Spring is the arrival of sneezes, sniffles, and itchy eyes. This phenomenon is more than just a nuisance – it's a complex interplay between nature, climate, and our immune systems. 

 

What are allergies?

Allergies are when your body's defence system (that’s your immune system), reacts a bit too intensely to what are usually harmless substances. These include pollen from flowers or tiny particles in the air. When this happens, it can make you feel uncomfortable and cause symptoms like sneezing, a runny or stuffy nose and itchy or watery eyes.

Allergy season is that specific time of the year when certain plants release substantial amounts of pollen into the air. 

Unfortunately, if you're someone who's allergic to pollen, your body might start reacting to it. It's like your body's way of trying to protect itself from something it thinks is harmful, even though pollen is actually harmless for most people.

So, during allergy season, people who have allergies might need to take extra care and maybe use medicines or avoid spending too much time outside when the pollen levels are high. It's all about finding ways to make yourself more comfortable and reduce those bothersome symptoms while nature goes through its seasonal changes.

 

Allergy seasons are worsening

Yep, it does seem like allergy season gets worse each year. In a large part, we can blame climate change, increased pollen production from plants and excessive air pollution. 

  • Warmer temperatures and longer growing seasons can lead to increased pollen production from plants, especially trees, grasses, and weeds. These are all common allergens. 
  • Increased atmospheric carbon dioxide levels can stimulate plant growth and increase pollen production. 
  • Climate change can alter the distribution of plant species, triggering new allergenic plants in certain areas. 
  • Poor air quality, again, courtesy of climate change and urbanisation, can exacerbate allergic reactions by irritating the respiratory system and making it more sensitive to allergens. 
  • Elevated levels of carbon dioxide may potentially increase the allergenicity of pollen grains.

 

Managing Allergies

For a long-term solution, ask your doctor about allergen immunotherapy, (allergy shots). This method can work to decrease your sensitivity to the triggers responsible for your allergies. This treatment involves administering small amounts of allergens (substances that trigger allergic reactions), through injections at regular intervals. Typically, this would be weekly injections with increasing doses over a few months, followed by monthly injections spanning three to five years.

 

Other tips

  • Try to keep the windows and doors closed to prevent pollen from entering. If possible, use air conditioning with a clean filter to keep the indoor air clean. 
  • Consider high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters in your home, especially in bedrooms, to trap allergens like pollen and dust. 
  • After spending time outdoors, shower and change your clothes to remove any pollen that might have stuck to your skin and clothing. 
  • Pollen levels are usually highest in the early morning. 
  • Ask your pharmacist about over the counter or prescribed antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal corticosteroids to manage allergy symptoms. 
  • Saline nasal rinses can help clear out pollen and other irritants from your nasal passages. 
  • Pollen can easily stick to clothes on the clothesline outside. If possible, use a dryer during allergy season. 
  • Keep your home in spick and span condition! Regularly vacuum the carpets, dust down surfaces and wash your bedding in hot water to remove allergens. 
  • Drink plenty of water every day to help thin mucus and soothe your throat.

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Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only. Always check with your doctor or medical practitioner about any health concerns, before embarking on any fitness or nutrition programme, or using any medication.