Climate Change’s Rising Influence on Allergies

Climate change is resulting in higher pollen counts and greater incidences of allergies, as explained by Dr. Scott Commins at the AAAAI 2025 meeting. He noted that this leads to conditions like pollen food syndrome and increased cases of alpha-gal syndrome from ticks. The warmer climate allows deer migration and tick proliferation, raising health concerns.

At the 2025 American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology (AAAAI) annual meeting, Scott Commins, MD, PhD, highlighted the significant impact of climate change on allergy prevalence. Presenting in San Diego from February 28 to March 3, he emphasized the rising pollen counts attributed to climate change, which contribute to increased allergies. Commins stated that pollen can penetrate the skin and provoke allergic reactions.

One of the main conditions resulting from the rise in pollen is known as pollen food syndrome. Dr. Commins observed that not only are traditional pollen allergies increasing, but there is also a notable uptick in food allergies due to cross-reactivity with pollen. This emergence necessitates vigilance among healthcare providers in diagnosing these related conditions.

Furthermore, there has been a concerning rise in alpha-gal syndrome, a condition associated with meat allergies that is primarily induced by tick bites. Dr. Commins explained that climate change has led to milder winters, facilitating deer migration and, consequently, an increase in tick populations across various regions, including the United States, Europe, Australia, and parts of Asia.

This migratory phenomenon has resulted in greater exposure to ticks, thereby putting more individuals at risk for developing alpha-gal syndrome. As the interaction between environmental changes and allergies becomes increasingly apparent, Dr. Commins urged healthcare providers to remain observant for emerging diagnoses, such as eczema, food allergies, and meat allergies influenced by climate change.

In summary, climate change is linked to rising pollen levels and an associated increase in pollen-related allergies. The phenomenon includes pollen food syndrome and a surge in alpha-gal syndrome due to increased tick exposure from expanding deer populations. It is essential for healthcare professionals to stay alert for these evolving allergy patterns as the impact of climate change continues to unfold.

Original Source: www.hcplive.com