Global Warming Is Triggering Allergic Diseases

Global warming is leading to an increase in the incidence of allergic diseases such as allergic rhinitis and asthma. Assoc. Prof. Ayşe Bilge Öztürk from the Department of Allergic Diseases at Memorial Şişli Hospital provided information about allergic diseases and the impact of climate change on these conditions. Allergies are hypersensitivity reactions displayed by the immune system against substances found in the environment and nature that are normally harmless. These reactions can vary from mild to severe. Allergies can develop at very young ages or later in life. Depending on the type of allergen, allergies cause different reactions in individuals. The respiratory tract, eyes, skin, and digestive system can be affected. Avoiding allergens is one of the most important protective methods in allergic diseases.

Climate change causes plants to produce pollen earlier and for longer periods

Climate change resulting from global warming causes plants to produce pollen earlier and for extended periods. The lengthening of the pollen season leads to greater exposure to allergens and increased effects. Additionally, climate change alters the structure of allergens such as pollen, increasing the frequency and exacerbation of allergic diseases. These allergens with altered structures become more potent in causing disease. For example, it can develop allergies in a person with no history of allergies, or cause asthma to develop in someone with only allergic rhinitis. Along with climate change, new plant species are spreading throughout the world. These plants are more resistant, continuously produce pollen, and are invasive species. Pollen allergies may therefore lose their seasonal character in the future, and as the pollen season extends, patient symptoms may be observed year-round.  

Natural disasters facilitate spreading

Storms and hurricanes resulting from climate change can cause pollen fragmentation, transport over long distances, and expose asthmatic patients to intense pollen on stormy days. After pollens fragment, their size will decrease and they will settle easily in the airways. This intense exposure can cause asthma epidemics on stormy days. It is also predicted that flooding due to climate change will increase mold concentrations in homes and the atmosphere. Mold levels can remain high indoors for a long period, such as a year, following storms. Increased mold concentration indoors means increased allergic complaints in asthmatic and allergic rhinitis patients.  

Dust and sand storms trigger asthma attacks

Desertification is progressively increasing due to growing dryness resulting from global warming. Sand and dust storms are expected to occur as a result of desertification. Exposure to various allergens and particles in sand storms will cause worsening of the disease in asthma patients. It is anticipated that emergency visits due to asthma will increase on days of sand storms. The increase in climate change may lead to the emergence of different insect species and resulting stings. This implies an increase in bee and other insect allergies.  

Prevention is necessary

Climate change and environmental pollution create conditions for existing diseases to increase and more people to become ill. An increase in the incidence of allergic diseases and asthma epidemics are expected due to climate change. Implementation of measures to prevent climate change can protect nature and human health, resulting in reduced incidence of various diseases such as allergic conditions.