Do you get the flu at the same time every year? Are you experiencing symptoms like a stuffy nose, constant sneezing, red, itchy eyes, and a runny nose? You may feel like it's worse than before, and it's been going on for a while longer. You're right, you're not alone. Many people around the world experience this. So today, let's talk about why this happens and how climate change affects it.
Simply put, what is seasonal allergy?
To understand this, we first need to know what pollen is. Simply put, pollen is a tiny powdery substance that trees, grasses, and some weeds release into the environment when they bloom to help their species reproduce. These particles float in the wind.
For most people, this pollen does not cause any harm even if it enters the body. However, for some people, the immune system of the body looks at this harmless pollen as if it were a big enemy. That is, the immune system starts to fight this pollen unnecessarily. As a result of this fight, we get the symptoms mentioned earlier such as sneezing, stuffy nose, and itchy eyes. Since this pollen is more in the environment at certain times of the year, this allergy also appears only at those times. That is why we call it seasonal allergy .
Why is this allergy season getting longer and more severe?
Here's the most important thing. The latest research has found that the main reason for this is climate change . Think about how this is happening.
1. Warming: The world's temperature is gradually rising. This is causing the winter season to shorten and the warm season to lengthen. Trees need warm weather to bloom and produce pollen. So as the warm season lengthens, trees have a longer period of time to produce pollen . That's why the pollen season, which used to be one or two months, has now extended to three to four months.
2. Increase in Carbon Dioxide: The increase in the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere also affects this. Carbon dioxide is like fertilizer for trees. As a result, trees grow more vigorously and produce more pollen than usual . This means that not only does the pollen season extend, but the amount of pollen in the air (pollen count) also increases during that period.
Simply put, weather changes mean that the pollen season starts earlier , lasts longer , and more pollen is released into the environment during that time. This is why your asthma is feeling worse and worse.
Pollen types that affect different seasons
Although we do not have a clear seasonal difference in Sri Lanka like in Europe, various trees and flowers bloom throughout the year. Therefore, this situation is common to us as well. In general, the pattern of pollen types in the world can be understood from this table.
| Season | Main Pollen Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Tree Pollen | These are added to the air early in the year as trees bloom. |
| Summer | Grass Pollen | Allergies are caused by pollen released from grasses in the middle of the hot season. |
| Autumn/Fall | Weed Pollen | Pollen from some weeds is affected later in the year. |
How does this affect people with asthma?
This is especially dangerous for people with asthma. Pollen is a strong trigger that can worsen asthma. Inhaling pollen can irritate, swell, and constrict the airways. This can increase symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest tightness, and coughing in asthmatics. Therefore, if you have asthma, you should be extra careful during periods when pollen counts are high.
So what do we do?
Although we cannot solve the big problem of weather change alone, there are several things we can do to protect ourselves from these allergies .
- See a doctor: If you have these symptoms, the best thing to do is see a doctor . That way, you can find out if it's an allergy or something else. You may also be given an allergy test to find out what kind of pollen you're allergic to.
- Get the right treatment: Your doctor will prescribe the right treatment for you. Usually, they recommend things like antihistamines and nasal sprays. Never buy medicine from a pharmacy at your own discretion.
- Protect yourself from pollen:
- Stay indoors as much as possible on days with high pollen counts (hot, dry, windy days).
- Keep the windows and doors closed at home. It is better to use an air conditioner .
- Wash your body after going outside. Change clothes that you have been wearing outside. This will remove pollen from your body and clothes.
- If you go outside, wearing a mask can help reduce your exposure to pollen.
Experts say that this situation is likely to increase in the future. Therefore, the best thing to do is to be aware of this, understand your symptoms, and seek medical advice if necessary.
Take-Home Message
- Due to climate change, global temperatures have increased and the pollen season has lengthened.
- Because of this, seasonal allergies are becoming increasingly severe.
- If you experience symptoms like sneezing, a runny nose, and itchy eyes at the same time of year, it could be an allergy caused by pollen.
- If these symptoms are interfering with your daily life or if you have other medical conditions such as asthma, do not make decisions on your own and definitely see your doctor for proper advice and treatment.
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