Skip to content
  • About
  • Contact
  • Contribute
  • Book
  • Careers
  • Podcast
  • Recommended
  • Speaking
  • All
  • Physician
  • Practice
  • Policy
  • Finance
  • Conditions
  • .edu
  • Patient
  • Meds
  • Tech
  • Social
  • Video
    • All
    • Physician
    • Practice
    • Policy
    • Finance
    • Conditions
    • .edu
    • Patient
    • Meds
    • Tech
    • Social
    • Video
    • About
    • Contact
    • Contribute
    • Book
    • Careers
    • Podcast
    • Recommended
    • Speaking

Navigating spring allergies in the era of climate change

Kara Wada, MD
Conditions
March 7, 2024
Share
Tweet
Share

As winter chill thaws and the spring flowers begin to bloom, many of us find ourselves grappling with the unwelcome return of sneezing, itching, and congestion that signals spring allergy season. This year, like nearly every in the last decade, seems to have arrived earlier—a trend that’s becoming increasingly common. As a physician specializing in allergy and immunology, I’ve observed firsthand the impact of climate change and air pollution on our health, particularly when it comes to allergies.

The early onset of allergies: a closer look

The primary reason we’re seeing spring allergies emerge earlier each year is due to the extended warmer temperatures and increased carbon dioxide brought on by and associated with climate change. This shift not only lengthens the allergy season but also intensifies it. Compounding the issue is air pollution, which transforms pollen into a more potent allergen. Air pollutants may act as carriers for allergens in the airways and increase the antigenicity of the pollen grains. This “aggressive” pollen can provoke more severe symptoms, potentially affecting a larger portion of the population. It’s estimated that by 2050, 50% of us will suffer from some form of allergy, highlighting the need for increased awareness and action.

Why allergy symptoms are worsening

In recent years, allergy symptoms have intensified. Factors such as rising temperatures, more prevalent grass and weed pollen, and the reduction in mask-wearing have all played a role. These environmental and behavioral changes lead to higher pollen production and exposure, exacerbating allergic reactions for many of us.

Decoding seasonal allergies

At their core, seasonal allergies are the result of our body’s overreaction to harmless substances like pollen. When pollen enters our system, it triggers the production of specific antibodies, leading to the activation of allergy cells. This cascade of reactions causes the symptoms many of us are all too familiar with: sneezing, congestion, and itchy eyes.

Reducing pollen exposure: practical tips

To help mitigate the impact of pollen, I’ve compiled a few strategies based on my experience and the latest research:

  • Keep windows closed: Limiting outdoor air in your home can significantly reduce indoor pollen levels.
  • Shower after outdoor activities: Washing away pollen from your body and hair can prevent prolonged exposure.
  • Regular hand washing: Minimizing pollen transfer to your eyes and nose can reduce irritation.
  • Exploring innovative solutions: You might consider trying out Allegra Airways. This innovative web-based tool offers real-time, hyperlocal pollen and pollution data to help you plan outdoor activities like a hike or a bike ride while minimizing exposure.

Proactive management of allergy symptoms

Starting your allergy medication a few weeks before the season hits its peak can make a significant difference. It’s crucial to identify the specific allergens that trigger your reactions and choose a medication that addresses your needs, such as a non-drowsy antihistamine or a nasal corticosteroid for daily use.

Seeking professional guidance

It’s essential to consult with your health care provider before introducing any new medication into your routine. If over-the-counter solutions don’t provide relief, it may be time to seek advice from a specialist. As an allergist, I often work with patients to tailor a treatment plan that addresses their unique situation, exploring options like immunotherapy for long-term relief. Although immunotherapy has been strictly allergy shots for years, newer approaches are increasingly available, including sublingual and intralymphatic approaches, which can provide increased convenience and less risk of reactions.

As we navigate another allergy season, it’s clear that the landscape of allergic diseases is evolving. By understanding the factors at play and adopting proactive measures, we can better manage our symptoms and enjoy the beauty of spring. Remember, you’re not alone in this struggle, and there are resources and professionals ready to support you in finding relief.

Kara Wada is a board-certified academic adult and pediatric allergy, immunology, and lifestyle medicine physician turned autoimmune patient. She can be reached at Dr. Kara Wada and on Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and LinkedIn. She is a national expert, sought-after speaker, advisor, and host of the Becoming Immune Confident Podcast. She is the founder of the Demystifying Inflammation Summit and Virtual Sjogren’s Summit. 

ADVERTISEMENT

Prev

If surgery is so precise, why are we leaving outcomes up to chance?

March 7, 2024 Kevin 0
…
Next

From intern to witness: Working in a resource-limited health care system

March 7, 2024 Kevin 2
…

Tagged as: Allergies & Immunology

Post navigation

< Previous Post
If surgery is so precise, why are we leaving outcomes up to chance?
Next Post >
From intern to witness: Working in a resource-limited health care system

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

More by Kara Wada, MD

  • From doctor to patient: my Sjogren’s journey and a challenge to colleagues

    Kara Wada, MD
  • A specialist’s journey in health care advocacy

    Kara Wada, MD
  • Intralymphatic immunotherapy: a breakthrough approach for allergies

    Amber Patterson, MD & Kara Wada, MD & Tiffany Owens, MD

Related Posts

  • Antibiotic resistance is the climate change of medicine

    Eric Beam, MD
  • The vital importance of climate change education in medical schools

    Helen Kim, MD
  • How to address the mental health fallout of climate change

    Rishab Chawla
  • When celebrities attack children with food allergies

    Lianne Mandelbaum, PT
  • The physician’s crucial role in combating climate change

    Megan McLaughlin
  • Has your doctor asked you about climate change?

    Martha Bebinger

More in Conditions

  • Hope is the lifeline: a deeper look into transplant care

    Judith Eguzoikpe, MD, MPH
  • From hospital bed to harsh truths: a writer’s unexpected journey

    Raymond Abbott
  • Bird flu’s deadly return: Are we flying blind into the next pandemic?

    Tista S. Ghosh, MD, MPH
  • “The medical board doesn’t know I exist. That’s the point.”

    Jenny Shields, PhD
  • When moisturizers trigger airport bomb alarms

    Eva M. Shelton, MD and Janmesh Patel
  • Medicaid cuts are quietly fueling the diabetic kidney failure crisis

    Jane Zill, LICSW
  • Most Popular

  • Past Week

    • The silent toll of ICE raids on U.S. patient care

      Carlin Lockwood | Policy
    • Why recovery after illness demands dignity, not suspicion

      Trisza Leann Ray, DO | Physician
    • Addressing the physician shortage: How AI can help, not replace

      Amelia Mercado | Tech
    • Bureaucracy over care: How the U.S. health care system lost its way

      Kayvan Haddadan, MD | Physician
    • Why does rifaximin cost 95 percent more in the U.S. than in Asia?

      Jai Kumar, MD, Brian Nohomovich, DO, PhD and Leonid Shamban, DO | Meds
    • Why medical students are trading empathy for publications

      Vijay Rajput, MD | Education
  • Past 6 Months

    • What’s driving medical students away from primary care?

      ​​Vineeth Amba, MPH, Archita Goyal, and Wayne Altman, MD | Education
    • Residency as rehearsal: the new pediatric hospitalist fellowship requirement scam

      Anonymous | Physician
    • The broken health care system doesn’t have to break you

      Jessie Mahoney, MD | Physician
    • Make cognitive testing as routine as a blood pressure check

      Joshua Baker and James Jackson, PsyD | Conditions
    • A faster path to becoming a doctor is possible—here’s how

      Ankit Jain | Education
    • The hidden bias in how we treat chronic pain

      Richard A. Lawhern, PhD | Meds
  • Recent Posts

    • When errors of nature are treated as medical negligence

      Howard Smith, MD | Physician
    • Physician job change: Navigating your 457 plan and avoiding tax traps [PODCAST]

      The Podcast by KevinMD | Podcast
    • The hidden chains holding doctors back

      Neil Baum, MD | Physician
    • Hope is the lifeline: a deeper look into transplant care

      Judith Eguzoikpe, MD, MPH | Conditions
    • Why medical students are trading empathy for publications

      Vijay Rajput, MD | Education
    • From hospital bed to harsh truths: a writer’s unexpected journey

      Raymond Abbott | Conditions

Subscribe to KevinMD and never miss a story!

Get free updates delivered free to your inbox.


Find jobs at
Careers by KevinMD.com

Search thousands of physician, PA, NP, and CRNA jobs now.

Learn more

Leave a Comment

Founded in 2004 by Kevin Pho, MD, KevinMD.com is the web’s leading platform where physicians, advanced practitioners, nurses, medical students, and patients share their insight and tell their stories.

Social

  • Like on Facebook
  • Follow on Twitter
  • Connect on Linkedin
  • Subscribe on Youtube
  • Instagram

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

  • Most Popular

  • Past Week

    • The silent toll of ICE raids on U.S. patient care

      Carlin Lockwood | Policy
    • Why recovery after illness demands dignity, not suspicion

      Trisza Leann Ray, DO | Physician
    • Addressing the physician shortage: How AI can help, not replace

      Amelia Mercado | Tech
    • Bureaucracy over care: How the U.S. health care system lost its way

      Kayvan Haddadan, MD | Physician
    • Why does rifaximin cost 95 percent more in the U.S. than in Asia?

      Jai Kumar, MD, Brian Nohomovich, DO, PhD and Leonid Shamban, DO | Meds
    • Why medical students are trading empathy for publications

      Vijay Rajput, MD | Education
  • Past 6 Months

    • What’s driving medical students away from primary care?

      ​​Vineeth Amba, MPH, Archita Goyal, and Wayne Altman, MD | Education
    • Residency as rehearsal: the new pediatric hospitalist fellowship requirement scam

      Anonymous | Physician
    • The broken health care system doesn’t have to break you

      Jessie Mahoney, MD | Physician
    • Make cognitive testing as routine as a blood pressure check

      Joshua Baker and James Jackson, PsyD | Conditions
    • A faster path to becoming a doctor is possible—here’s how

      Ankit Jain | Education
    • The hidden bias in how we treat chronic pain

      Richard A. Lawhern, PhD | Meds
  • Recent Posts

    • When errors of nature are treated as medical negligence

      Howard Smith, MD | Physician
    • Physician job change: Navigating your 457 plan and avoiding tax traps [PODCAST]

      The Podcast by KevinMD | Podcast
    • The hidden chains holding doctors back

      Neil Baum, MD | Physician
    • Hope is the lifeline: a deeper look into transplant care

      Judith Eguzoikpe, MD, MPH | Conditions
    • Why medical students are trading empathy for publications

      Vijay Rajput, MD | Education
    • From hospital bed to harsh truths: a writer’s unexpected journey

      Raymond Abbott | Conditions

MedPage Today Professional

An Everyday Health Property Medpage Today
  • Terms of Use | Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy
  • DMCA Policy
All Content © KevinMD, LLC
Site by Outthink Group

Leave a Comment

Comments are moderated before they are published. Please read the comment policy.

Loading Comments...