Doctor Explains Why Your Allergies Are Lingering Longer Than Before

If you find yourself constantly battling with allergies that seem to last longer than ever before, you’re not alone. Dr. Sanjay Gupta, CNN’s Chief Medical Correspondent, recently shared some critical insights with Sara Sidner on CNN News Central about why seasonal allergies are becoming increasingly persistent. Whether it’s itchy eyes, relentless sneezing, or ongoing congestion, understanding these changes can help you manage your symptoms more effectively.

Dr. Gupta noted a significant increase in the number of people struggling with fall allergies. He explained, “As the weather changes and gets warmer outside, that first frost is delayed, leading to a cascade of events.” This observation is supported by Dr. Sanjiv Sur, Director of Allergy and Immunology at Baylor College of Medicine, who has confirmed, “There’s no question [that] as there’s global warming, the pollen season is increasing.”

The impact of climate change is evident in the lengthening of allergy seasons across various cities in the United States. Dr. Gupta explained, “Cities across America are going to have much longer allergy seasons. In Reno, for example, 99 days longer; in Atlanta, where I live, 33 days longer; up in New York, 21 days longer.” Dr. Christina Price, a Yale Medicine allergist and immunologist, adds, “Most people don’t have an immune response to pollen, but a certain percentage of people’s immune systems see it as foreign and dangerous, and they treat it like a pathogen.”

The economic burden of seasonal allergies is substantial. One study estimates that treating seasonal allergies in the U.S. costs around $3.4 billion annually. Dr. Price explains, “One aspect of allergies is that you can be really tired or fatigued, so it wipes you out,” highlighting how productivity can be significantly affected.

Beyond the discomfort, pollen exposure has more severe health implications. Recent research indicates that pollen and other allergens can damage DNA in the nasal cavity and lungs, leading to inflammation and potentially triggering asthma attacks. These allergens are a common cause of asthma-related emergency visits, which could increase significantly due to climate change.

Dr. Gupta warns, “By the end of the century, the prediction is that we’ll have basically 200% higher pollen counts over the next 75 years or so.” He emphasizes the severity by noting, “One ragweed plant releases about a billion grains of pollen. One plant does. So just imagine if those plants grow and continue to spread for a much longer time.” This escalation isn’t just inconvenient; it poses a public health risk. EPA studies have linked between 35,000 and 60,000 asthma-related emergency department visits to pollen, with a projected 14% increase by 2090.

Distinguishing between allergies and viral infections is crucial for effective treatment. Dr. Gupta advises, “When you’re thinking about allergies versus viral infections, there are many overlapping symptoms, but fever and full body aches and pains are pretty much indicative of a viral infection.” This aligns with guidance from NIH’s Dr. Teresa Hauguel, who states, “If you know what you have, you won’t take medications that you don’t need, that aren’t effective, or that might even make your symptoms worse.”

The broader implications of worsening allergies underscore a critical connection to climate change. Dr. Mary Margaret Johnson of Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health highlights, “Worsening allergies highlight the fact that our health—even if you just have a pollen allergy—is being impacted by climate change.”

Understanding these evolving conditions and taking proactive measures can help you better manage your seasonal allergies, which are becoming more challenging to handle. With longer seasons, higher pollen counts, and increasing health risks, staying informed and prepared is more crucial than ever.

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