A REVIEW published in The Laryngoscope reports that changes in pollen seasons and concentrations caused by climate change are contributing to increased rates of hay fever.
Studies have reported longer pollen seasons and/or higher pollen concentrations related to climate change, which is expected to get worse over time - total pollen emissions in the US are projected to increase by 16-40% by the end of the century and the pollen season length expected to increase by 19 days.
They also found evidence of an increase in allergic rhinitis-related health care usage, particularly among low-income residents.
"Our scoping review highlights how climate change is altering pollen seasons and concentrations, AR disease prevalence, allergy sensitisation, and AR symptom severity," wrote the authors.
"Health professionals are uniquely positioned to witness the impact of allergic rhinitis on patient outcomes and can adapt their practice as climate change intensifies," they noted, adding that health professionals are keen for more education on the impacts of climate change on health.
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