Nowadays, many people suffer from allergies, and an increase in its prevalence has been observed due to climate change. In Catalonia in particular, the recent winter has been one of the hottest and wettest in the last 30 years, which has led to the plants are loaded with pollenThis translates into a greater risk for allergy sufferers, as the pollen from these plants is expected to be easily dispersed in the coming months due to the lack of rain and moderate temperatures. For a deeper understanding of this phenomenon, see the article on Global warming and its impact on allergies.
According to Catalan Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (SCAIC)This allergy situation will increase over time as weather conditions continue to deteriorate. To learn more about the impact of weather and its relationship to health, you can read the effects of climate change on health.
Dr. Jordina Belmonte, director of the Aerobiological Network of Catalonia from the Institute of Environmental Science and Technology of the Autonomous University of Barcelona (ICTA-UAB), warned that "This spring will be a little tough for allergy sufferers.", so he urged the population to prepare for this situation since a high concentration of pollen is expected.
Among the plants that will produce the most pollen are: grasses and parietarias, which grow spontaneously in fields and gardens. These herbs, being low-growing, will facilitate the pollination process. In addition, other plants such as olive trees and cypress trees They are also producing 15% more pollen compared to previous years. This increase is closely related to climate change, so it is crucial to learn more about the climate and its impact on allergies.
La SCAIC has indicated that allergies are lasting longer in the months due to adverse environmental conditions. Factors such as contamination and the climate change have caused allergy sufferers to suffer from allergy symptoms since February to November-DecemberA noticeable increase in pollen levels can also be observed in this context.
Impact of Climate Change on Allergies
El climate change influences allergies through several mechanisms. One of the main ones is the rising temperatures, which alters the biological patterns of flowering and pollination. As a result, longer pollen seasons with higher concentrations are being recorded. For example, a report from the Spanish Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition (AESAN) highlights that the increase in temperatures and CO2 is causing an increase in allergic symptoms among sensitized individuals. For more information on how climate affects health, you can read about .
Elevated CO levels2 and pollution are linked to an increase in the concentration of allergens in plant-based foods, as well as pollen production. This cross-reactivity between pollen and certain food allergens may contribute to an increase in food allergies, a topic of growing interest. The relationship between allergies and climate change is worrying and should be considered by everyone.
Furthermore, the decline in biodiversity and changes in plant species composition also play a significant role. The transition toward more resistant and allergenic species has led to increased pollen production by these plants, increasing population exposure to allergens. For a broader perspective on climate change, we recommend reading the article on what climate change is.
Increase in Allergy Visits in Catalonia
Hospitals in Catalonia have begun to report an increase in visits for pollen allergies, with an increase of 20% to 25% compared to the previous year. This is because the start of the pollination period is advancing, influenced by anomalous weather conditions. For example, Species that traditionally flower in March or April, such as cypress, are beginning to pollinate in February., which is called pre-spring allergiesThis situation highlights the need to be informed about the high pollen levels in the region, a current issue that affects many Catalans.
Experts predict that this will be a spring with a high pollination, which means the amount of pollen in the air is likely to be significantly higher compared to previous years. Allergy sufferers should prepare by taking measures such as wearing sunglasses and wearing masks, if necessary, to reduce pollen exposure. This is a key aspect for those who suffer from allergies.
Projections for Future Allergens
The current climate in Catalonia, with mild winters and warm springs, suggests that the allergies will be a growing concern in the future. It is estimated that by the year 2050, until a 50% of the population could suffer from some form of allergy. This is because, over time, exposure to pollen will increase, lasting longer and affecting a greater number of people. This trend is consistent with studies indicating that allergies are increasing due to climate change, as mentioned in the article on the impacts of climate change on children's health.
La World Health Organization (WHO) The United States has warned that current conditions could lead to more than half of the world's population developing allergies in the coming decades, transforming it into a public health problem that urgently needs to be addressed with appropriate strategies. To address this problem, it is essential to stay informed about climate change and its impact on health.
For more extensive information on the subject, it may be useful to consult the recommended reading on climate change.
Cross Reactions and Food Allergies
The food allergies are increasingly linked to reactions to pollen. For example, those who are allergic to plane tree pollen may experience reactions when consuming foods such as peaches, lettuce and walnutsThis is due to the similarity in the proteins that trigger immune responses, known as cross reactivityFor a more detailed analysis of pollen, you can visit the article that explores the different types of pollen.
It is estimated that the 60% Patients with banana pollen allergy may also have allergies to certain foods, reflecting the impact of pollen not only on respiratory health but also on food. The intersection of food and pollen allergies is a growing topic that deserves attention.
The increase in the prevalence of food allergies has been notable in recent years, partly due to the connection with pollen allergies, which have also skyrocketed due to climate change. Allergists point to rising temperatures and pollution as factors that may contribute to this trend.
Tips and Resources for Affected People
With a harsh spring expected, it's crucial for allergy sufferers to take preventative measures. It's advisable to consult an allergist, who can offer personalized treatments, including allergy shots to prevent the onset of symptoms in future pollination seasons. Knowing the available resources can be very helpful for allergy sufferers.
In addition, it is essential that affected people keep track of pollen forecasts through tools such as the Planttes application, which offers up-to-date information on the presence of allergens in the region, very useful in the current context of changing climate. For more resources, please consult the Information on grass and olive pollen.
You can also consult resources available on the website of the Xarxa Aerobiologica de Catalunya, which provides data on expected pollen levels, as well as recommendations for mitigating allergy symptoms.
