Yes, your allergies are worse this year - this is why
Experts say that environmental changes are to be blamed.
Have you been sniff and sneeze More than usual this spring? You're not the only one. According to centers for Disease Control (CDC), 30% of the world's population suffers from pollen allergies , which cause symptoms of hay or allergic hay rhinitis. And if you have the impression that your allergies have worsened lately, you have not imagined it: since 1990, researchers have noted a 21% increase in the amount of pollen in the air.
Better life stretched out Shyam joshi , MD, head of section of allergy and immunology and Medical director From the allergy and immunology clinic to Oregon Health and Science University, to discover what is happening behind this change. He says that some key factors stimulate increased allergies and notes that there are ways to fight your symptoms. Read the rest to know why your allergies are worse this year and what you can do about it.
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This is why your allergies are worse this year.
Joshi says that the main cause of increased allergies is climate change. "In recent decades, climate change has led to longer pollination seasons and a higher number of pollen. Cycle for plants," he said Better life . The most important increases in the number of pollen have been observed in Texas and the Midwest region of the United States, adds Jennifer Bourgeois , Pharmd, Pharmacy and Medical Expert at Singlecare . AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB
In fact, a study in 2022 published in the journal Nature communications noted that in addition to the modifications made by CO2 emissions, changes in temperature and precipitation can Increase pollen annual emissions from 16 to 40%. In addition, the change in land coverage - which means the transformation of natural habitats into urban environments - also modifies the distribution of pollen issuers, according to researchers.
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Your body can also lead to change.
Joshi adds that in addition to environmental changes that make allergies more likely, your body can also be more and more sensitive to allergies.
"Although the underlying cause is not fully understood, it is believed that changes in its diet and microbiome can contribute factors," he said. "This set probably explains why many people experience larger allergy symptoms year after year."
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The allergies season is also getting longer.
If your allergies seem particularly unbearable this year, it can also be due to the fact that the allergies season now lasts longer.
"With a warmer weather, the last freeze of the year occurs earlier in the year, which allows plants more time to pollinate," explains Joshi, pointing to a Report funded by the USDA This shows that the pollen season in North America is now starting about 20 days earlier and can last 10 more days.
People notice the difference. According to a recent Singlecare Survey Released in March 2023, more than half of those questioned said they had already known allergies in the spring at that time of the season. Sixty and eleven percent declared that it marked a start earlier than usual for their allergy symptoms.
Here's how to soothe your symptoms.
Seasonal allergies can deeply affect your quality of life, depending on the type and severity of your symptoms. "Beyond itching, sneezing and flowing nose, it was also associated with fatigue, cough, whistling breathing and higher rates of depression and anxiety "Said Joshi, who is also the Chief doctor of nectar .
However, he notes that several treatments are available to help better manage your symptoms, including spraying intranasal steroids, oral antihistamines And drops of antihistamine eyes. He adds that allergens' immunotherapy in the form of allergy drops or allergy plans can also help reduce its awareness of environmental allergens. "The objective is to develop tolerance and not develop any symptoms when exposed to these substances. Although there is a significant time commitment to immunotherapy, they can provide long -term relief and reduce dependence on drugs. "
Finally, there are a handful of lifestyle habits that can help you better support the allergies season. Joshi recommends avoiding exterior during maximum pollen periods, keeping the windows and closed doors, using a hepa -classified air purifier in each room, and Wash your hands And facing the house to remove all pollen. Talk to your doctor to find out more about how to treat the symptoms of allergies.
Best Life offers the most up -to -date information for high -level experts, new research and health agencies, but our content is not supposed to replace professional advice. Regarding the medication you take or any other health issue you have, always consult your health care provider directly.
