Climate Change Extends Allergy Season, Increasing Pollen Misery
Millions of Americans are facing a growing public health challenge as seasonal allergies become more severe. A convergence of research indicates that pollen season is not only intensifying but also lasting significantly longer than in previous decades. According to studies, the season has expanded by approximately three weeks since 1970, a direct consequence of a warming climate that brings earlier springs and later falls. The primary driver is the lengthening of the growing season, marked by a surge in the number of days between the last spring freeze and the first fall freeze. Warmer temperatures are causing plants to release pollen earlier and continue producing it later into the year, creating a 'longer and more intense' period of suffering. This phenomenon is occurring across the United States, with some regions experiencing a more pronounced extension than others. With over 24 million people in the U.S. affected by seasonal allergies, including nearly a third of adults, the extended season has significant implications for public health. Experts from AccuWeather and climate scientists alike confirm that the seasonal allergy season is 'expanding at both ends,' validating the experiences of sufferers who feel their symptoms are worsening annually. This trend underscores the broader health impacts of climate change, prompting medical professionals to discuss long-term management strategies, such as allergy shots, with affected patients.
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ATLANTA — While millions of Americans are catching spring fever this week, many are also sniffling and sneezing due to seasonal allergies. And if it feels worse every year, that’s not your imagination. Warmer temperatures and earlier springs are making pollen explosions even more miserable.
To stream ABC10 News on your phone, you need the ABC10 News app. ... ATLANTA — While millions of Americans are catching spring fever this week, many are also sniffling and sneezing due to seasonal allergies. And if it feels worse every year, that’s not your imagination. Warmer temperatures and earlier springs are making pollen explosions even more miserable. "Warming temperatures are helping make allergy season start earlier, last longer and really just feel worse," said Climate ...
You’re Not Imagining It: Your Pollen Allergies Are Lasting Longer - Inside Climate News
This is a conversation you’d have with your allergist or ENT physician to say, could allergy shots be helpful for me when I’m dealing with my pollen allergy symptoms? O’NEILL: Beyond a seasonal allergy, how is climate change affecting life for allergy sufferers generally? Our nonprofit newsroom ...
How long is allergy season? Study finds it lasts 3 weeks longer than in 1970
The seasonal condition affects more than 24 million people in the U.S., including nearly 33% of adults and 25% of children, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. ... Want to see more of NewsNation?
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