Climate Change Supercharges Allergy Season

It’s making things worse.

Spring has arrived, bringing with it the familiar woes of seasonal allergies — itchy eyes, nasal congestion, and relentless sneezing for many. But for allergy sufferers, the future may hold even more challenges, according to a recent review of scientific evidence.

A growing body of research suggests that as climate change accelerates, allergy seasons are becoming longer and more severe. The review, published April 9 in The Laryngoscope, predicts that overall pollen output could surge by up to 40% before the century’s end, while the typical pollen season may be extended by nearly three weeks.

Though often dismissed as a minor annoyance, seasonal allergies carry a significant healthcare burden — one that’s expected to rise alongside global temperatures. Lead author Alisha Pershad, a medical student at George Washington University, emphasized the economic impact of this widespread condition. “Despite being underrecognized by many healthcare professionals, seasonal allergies impose a substantial financial cost,” she noted in a press release. The current toll stands at around $3.4 billion annually, mainly driven by prescription medications and outpatient care.

To assess how climate shifts are influencing allergies, the researchers examined data from 30 previous studies. More than half of those studies found a clear link between climate change and heightened pollen exposure — either through longer allergy seasons or elevated pollen levels.

Key findings include:

• Ragweed, a common allergen, is thriving in urban environments where elevated temperatures and carbon dioxide levels are prevalent. It grows faster, blooms earlier, and produces more pollen.
• Rising pollen counts have been matched by an uptick in allergy diagnoses.
• Allergy symptoms are becoming more intense due to increased pollen density.

Medical professionals have also reported noticeable shifts in allergy trends. “Clinicians are on the frontlines, witnessing how allergic rhinitis affects patient health,” Pershad explained. As climate conditions continue to evolve, she believes healthcare providers should play a more active role in public discourse. “Their firsthand experience makes them powerful advocates for addressing the health consequences of climate change,” she said.