SANTA MONICA CA – Climate change is making allergy season start earlier and last longer, weather experts report. There’s good news, though, an allergy specialist reported Thursday (April 11, 2024). There are easy steps anyone can take, she says, to reduce suffering from seasonal allergies.
Common allergy symptoms can be a big pain in the nose, University of California Health Sciences board-certified allergy and immunology specialist Dr. Lorraine Anderson acknowledges. The list includes sneezing and “sneezing fits”, nasal congestion, a runny nose, and itchy eyes, nose, throat and ears.
Why are they occurring earlier, and why will they last longer? The Washington DC-based Association of American Medical Colleges provides that answer.
Climate change has worsened symptoms
Climate change has caused temperatures to rise, which has “caused plants to blossom earlier and produce pollen longer than in previous decades.” It also notes that “landscaping in urban areas can also release high amounts of allergenic pollen.” Blame pollen for many allergy symptoms.
The first and important thing to do, Anderson recommends, is to see a physician about severe or persistent allergy symptoms and any problems they create. A doctor is likely to offer suggestions suitable to your physical and medical needs.
Beyond that, Anderson suggests, “anyone can benefit” from these tips:
- Eat a healthy diet, rich in vitamin-packed fruits and vegetables. Those that deliver more Vitamin C – such as oranges, broccoli, strawberries, and red peppers, according to Baylor, Scott and White Health – strengthen the immune system against allergies. Other foods contain a compound called quercetin, a natural antihistamine that helps relieve symptoms, Medical News Today reports. Among them are apples, a variety of berries, and grapes.
- Reduce exposure to allergy triggers by staying indoors, Anderson says. Also, keep windows (at home and in your car) closed on dry, windy days. Pollen from blooming plants is airborne, and potentially part of the air you inhale. Other methods suggested by the Better Health Channel are avoiding picnics in parks or in the country during the pollen season, and wearing sunglasses to protect your eyes.
- Use over-the-counter nasal sprays before allergy season begins, Anderson adds, if possible and with a doctor’s guidance. The Mayo Clinic states that some over-the-counter sprays “can ease allergy symptoms by blocking the release of immune system agents that cause symptoms.” They work best, the clinic adds, “if treatment is started before exposure to allergens.”
Photo provided to Travels With The Post by UCLA Health on Newswise
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