What are the possible consequences of global warming for allergy sufferers? Studies have shown a clear link between respiratory allergies and climate change. To stem the problem, the way forward is the one that leads us to a greener world, but not only that.
Global warming e climate change can cause serious damage to our health and accentuate the symptoms of respiratory allergiesbut how exactly? Just one day ago, one of the most atypical winters in history has passed the baton to Spring, and we can say without a doubt that winter was an atypical season, with temperatures that were far too high.
The heat we have perceived does not only influence the choice of our clothing, but also involves repercussions also on the development of plants and flowerswith knock-on effects that, in turn, impact the health of us human beings. In particular, that of those who suffer from seasonal allergies.
with”there are no more (half) seasons“, in what period of the year do the symptoms of rhinitis, asthma and pollen allergies appear?
Today there are approximately 10-12 million people who suffer from respiratory allergy only in our country, but in the coming years the number could increase rapidly. The cause of this increase will be, in fact, the climate changes we have been witnessing in recent decades.
In this article we look at theAssociation between respiratory allergies and climate changewe will see how climate change affects humans and why the increase in global temperatures can increase the risk of suffering from allergic diseases.
What is the connection between respiratory allergies and climate change?
Allergy is a condition related to a excessive response by the immune systemwhich occurs when it comes into contact with certain substances (called “aero-allergens”) theoretically harmless, but with a strong allergenic power for predisposed people.
Pollen, therefore, may not cause any problems at all to a person, but at the same time it can cause sneezing, conjunctivitis, itching and tearing in an allergic person.
Pollen allergy is considered to be one of the most widespread formsso much so that it affects more than a quarter of the world’s population, and the numbers are set to rise. Seasonal allergies and climate change caused by anthropogenic factors are in fact closely linked, confirming the fact that global warming can cause serious damage to human health, as well as to the already precarious balance of our planet.
The link between climate change and allergies could cause a longer duration of symptoms for patients, with sneezing and discomfort that could last from spring until autumn. But why?
Actually, There are many reasons for this phenomenonand science is examining them in order to understand the possible future scenarios and identify effective solutions to stem the problem. But let’s take a closer look at how respiratory allergies and climate change are linked.
Global Warming and Respiratory Allergies
Let’s go back to the winter just gone by: the higher than average temperatures cause an alteration in the natural growth process of flowering plants, with a consequent prolongation of the so-called “pollen seasons”.
This in turn leads to a greater and more intense presence of pollen in the air (even modifying its characteristics) and, consequently, the development of more severe and prolonged symptoms in allergic people.
Furthermore, low rainfall and rising average temperatures also affect pollen emissions, further exacerbating the problem.
L’rising temperatures linked to air pollution, moreover, is progressively causing changes in the natural habitatfavoring the development of plants that until a few decades ago were not even present in the territory. This leads to a greater risk of developing allergies.
Finally, studies show that as urban temperatures increase, the presence of ozone in the air also increases, a gas serra which causes inflammation of the airways, consequently worsening the allergic symptoms.
How to fight respiratory allergies?
Now that we know some of the negative effects of global warming for allergy sufferers, we need to understand how to deal with the problem.
On a global level, governments around the world should necessarily reduce the emission of pollutants to stem climate change. On a small scale, however, to deal with the symptoms of increasingly severe and prolonged allergic reactions, we should remember to take the drugs prescribed by the allergist.
When necessary, we can also wear a mask and check the pollen calendar to mitigate exposure to any allergens and reduce the risk of developing allergic attacks.
Sources
Source: www.greenstyle.it
