Climate change will double hay fever allergies

A new study by researchers at the University of East Anglia and colleagues, found that for just one type of pollen, that of the ragweed Ambrosia artemisifolia, the number of people likely to suffer will more than double from 33 million to an estimated 77 million around 2050. The study claims to be the first to consider the big picture of how climate change affects a human pollen allergy, from a plant’s distribution to the health effects on populations.

Put simply, hay fever is a common allergic reaction that occurs at particular times of the year. It is known as seasonal rhinitis, sharing symptoms with perennial (year-round) allergic rhinitis, but it occurs as a reaction to pollen from grass, trees, and weeds during the early spring and summer months. It can affect both adults and children.

Grass pollen is the most common allergen (May to July), but tree (February to June) and weed (June to September) pollen can also cause hay fever. In perennial allergic rhinitis, the symptoms sometimes continue all year round and are usually linked to indoor allergens like house dust mites, pets, including birds, or moulds.

With temperatures also predicted to increase, it is no secret that more people will be investing in air conditioning systems than ever before. Speaking of which, a lot of people use air conditioning systems as a way to keep their homes cool without needing to allow allergens to make their way into their homes through open windows and doors.

Accordingly, if you are considering installing an HVAC system in your home for the first time, you can find plenty of helpful resources on this useful website: paultheplumbernh.com/manchester/air-conditioning/. Above all, doing plenty of research can help you to find the best possible heating and cooling solution for your home.

However, that being said, did you know that your air conditioning system can accumulate allergens that can irritate your allergies? Regularly maintaining your AC system by cleaning it frequently and booking a service with a specialist such as Buric Heating and Air Conditioning (www.burichvac.com/ashton-air-conditioning/) can help you to prevent any additional discomfort.

Around 400 million people worldwide suffer from some form of hay fever, with current rates as high as 40% of the European population and 30% in the US.