Why pollen allergies are getting worse

In 2021, roughly 81 million people in the United States were diagnosed with seasonal allergies. Some common allergy symptoms include itchy or red eyes, sneezing, nasal congestion, and an itchy or runny nose.

More people are now developing seasonal allergies, especially as the climate continues to warm. Rising temperatures have allowed plants to bloom earlier and longer, leading to longer-lasting pollen seasons. According to a 2020 study, pollen seasons in North America increased by an average of 20 days between 1990 and 2018. Pollen concentrations also increased by up to 21% during the same period.

"[C]limate change is a significant contributing factor in the earlier and more intense pollen season we're experiencing," said Rita Kachru, chief of clinical immunology and allergy and associate professor in the department of medicine at the David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles. "Increased exposure to these more diverse allergens can trigger a more persistent and severe inflammatory response."

Shifting wind patterns in some areas of the world may also carry pollen over longer distances. "At least in some areas of the world, pollen is being distributed more widely," said Mary Margaret Johnson, a principal research scientist who studies the impact of climate change on health at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. "And people are being potentially exposed to different types of pollen that they weren't before."

"Earlier and longer pollen seasons are something we need to prepare for," said William Anderegg, an associate professor in the school of biological sciences at the University of Utah and the director of the Wilkes Center for Climate Science and Policy. "This is something that climate change is going to keep driving in the coming years. So preparing for that earlier start is a good way to try to minimize some of the health impacts."

6 ways to combat allergies this spring

To help you combat allergies this spring, here are six tips:

1. Check pollen counts

The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAAI) recommends limiting outdoor activities on days with high pollen counts and keeping your windows closed. AAAAI's National Allergy Bureau provides up-to-date pollen counts.

2. Go outside on rainy days

Moisture helps clear pollen out of the air, while dry, windy days are more likely to have lots of pollen.

3. Use high-efficiency filters

Using filters can help keep the air inside cleaner, as filters trap pollen and other allergens that can come in through forced air-conditioning or heating systems.

4. Dry laundry indoors

Pollen can cling to clothes, sheets, and towels, so make sure you dry your laundry inside.

5. Treat your symptoms early

Most allergy medications work best if you take them before pollen hits the air, and some allergists recommend treatment around two weeks before symptoms typically surface. Talk to your doctor about when you should start treatment.

"Treatment will vary based on each patient," said Emily Weis, from the University of Rochester Medical Center. "There's everything from over-the-counter antihistamines to allergy shots, and a combination of treatments could be best for you."

6. Shower after being outside

After you come inside, it's a good idea to change your clothes and rinse the pollen off your skin and hair. (Goodman, CNN, 4/4; Peck/Kekatos, ABC News, 3/20; Burrows, University of Rochester Medical Center, 4/1)

We know that climate change is a public health problem — and now, healthcare leaders are getting a better understanding of how their own organizations are contributing to the problem. Radio Advisory's Rachel Woods sat down with Advisory Board's  Miles Cottier to discuss the state of climate change and why healthcare leaders shouldn't wait for government action to start making progress.