As spring blooms across the United States, millions of Americans are once again grappling with the sneezing, congestion, and itchy eyes that signal the arrival of allergy season. But this year—and in recent years—those symptoms may be arriving earlier, lasting longer, and feeling more intense than ever before.
Experts say that what used to be a predictable few months of discomfort has morphed into a prolonged, increasingly severe season of suffering—and climate change is playing a major role.
Allergy Seasons Are Now Weeks Longer
“Over the past 20 years, allergy season has grown by an average of 13 days,” said Dr. Purvi Parikh, an allergist and immunologist at NYU Langone Health. “And it’s not just starting earlier—it’s sticking around longer and becoming more aggressive.”
Research supports this trend. A 2021 study showed that human-driven climate change has extended pollen seasons across North America by about 20 days between 1990 and 2018. And by the end of this century, pollen emissions could begin up to 40 days earlier in the spring, according to a 2022 University of Michigan study.
Why Is This Happening?
The science points to a complex interaction between rising global temperatures, increased carbon dioxide levels, and changes in seasonal patterns.
“Allergies are essentially your immune system overreacting to environmental triggers—often pollen,” explained Dr. Thanai Pongdee, an allergist-immunologist at the Mayo Clinic. “And what we’re seeing now is that those environmental triggers are becoming more potent and more persistent.”
Higher levels of atmospheric CO₂—largely caused by burning fossil fuels—are allowing plants like ragweed and certain grasses to grow faster and produce significantly more pollen. In fact, pollen concentrations have increased by up to 21% across North America over the past three decades, according to the USA National Phenology Network.
Meanwhile, warmer temperatures mean growing seasons start earlier and end later, giving plants a wider window to release pollen into the air.
“The first frost is arriving later each year, and that frost is crucial for ending pollen release,” said Dr. William Reisacher, an allergist at Weill Cornell Medicine. “Without it, the allergy season lingers into November in some regions.”
The Role of Storms and Wind
In addition to longer seasons, changing weather patterns are intensifying how far and wide pollen can travel. “We’re seeing more storms and wind events that stir up pollen and carry it hundreds of miles,” Reisacher added. “That makes the pollen more allergenic—it penetrates deeper into the lungs and is harder to escape.”
Millions Affected—and Growing
According to the CDC, roughly 25.7% of U.S. adults and 18.9% of children suffer from seasonal allergies—a number that could increase as pollen seasons intensify.
For many, the symptoms are uncomfortable but manageable: sneezing, nasal congestion, runny nose, and itchy eyes. But for some, reactions can escalate into more serious complications, including asthma attacks or even life-threatening anaphylaxis.
How to Find Relief
Fortunately, treatment options have expanded alongside the problem. Over-the-counter antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal corticosteroids are widely available, along with saline nasal rinses. Some medications aim to prevent symptoms before they begin, while others offer relief after exposure.
“Allergy sufferers should begin treatment early, ideally before symptoms start,” advised Parikh. “That way, your body is better prepared to handle the influx of pollen.”
For those with severe or persistent allergies, seeing a specialist may help. Immunotherapy—also known as allergy shots—can offer long-term relief by gradually desensitizing the immune system to specific allergens.
A Wake-Up Call for Public Health
While medication can manage symptoms, experts say a broader conversation is needed about how climate change is impacting public health in real time.
“The changes we’re seeing in allergy season are not projections—they’re happening now,” said Reisacher. “If we don’t address the environmental factors fueling this shift, we’re going to see a rising tide of allergic disease in the years to come.”
In the meantime, awareness is key. As allergy season arrives earlier and stays longer, taking proactive steps—such as tracking pollen forecasts, closing windows during peak pollen times, and showering after spending time outdoors—can help reduce exposure and keep symptoms in check.
Source: https://www.yahoo.com/news/lifestyle/why-feels-allergy-season-getting-101500567.html