Allergies and their symptoms are increasingly affecting more people each year, with many noticing that their allergy symptoms seem to worsen over time. Understanding allergy symptoms, seasonal allergies, and why allergies worsen is essential to managing this growing health concern effectively.

What Are Allergy Symptoms?

Allergy symptoms occur when the immune system overreacts to substances that are typically harmless, called allergens. Common allergy symptoms include sneezing, nasal congestion, itchy or watery eyes, a runny nose, coughing, wheezing, and skin reactions such as hives or itching.

Severe allergic reactions can lead to anaphylaxis, a life-threatening emergency characterized by swelling, difficulty breathing, and a sudden drop in blood pressure. Symptoms vary depending on the type of allergy and the route of exposure, but generally involve the respiratory, skin, gastrointestinal, and cardiovascular systems.​

What Are Seasonal Allergies?

Seasonal allergies, often called hay fever or allergic rhinitis, are triggered by airborne allergens that occur at specific times of year, such as pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds. They cause symptoms like sneezing, a runny nose, nasal congestion, itchy eyes, and coughing. Seasonal allergies differ from perennial allergies, which occur year-round due to indoor allergens like dust mites, mold, and pet dander. The timing and severity of seasonal allergies depend on the local climate, plant types, and individual sensitivities.​

Why Are Allergies Getting Worse Every Year?

Several interconnected factors explain why allergy symptoms and seasonal allergies worsen over time:

  • Climate Change and Longer Allergy Seasons: Warmer temperatures and higher carbon dioxide levels extend the growth and pollen-formation periods of plants, leading to longer, more intense pollen seasons. This results in greater allergen exposure and heightened symptoms during these extended periods.​
  • Increased Pollen Production and Potency: Plants produce more pollen that is more allergenic due to environmental stressors, such as pollution. Air pollution, especially particulate matter and ozone, can increase pollen allergenicity, making it more potent and irritating to the respiratory system.​
  • Air Pollution and Urbanization: Pollutants like diesel exhaust particles interact with pollen and other allergens, exacerbating allergic inflammation and respiratory symptoms, according to the National Institutes of Health. Urban environments also expose individuals to a mix of allergens and irritants, worsening symptoms.​
  • Immune System Changes Over Time: Repeated or prolonged exposure to allergens can further sensitize the immune system, leading to more severe allergic reactions. Also, immune changes associated with aging or infections may influence how the body responds to allergens, potentially worsening symptoms.​
  • Extreme Weather Events: Heat waves, thunderstorms, and changes in rainfall patterns can sharply increase airborne allergen levels or alter plant flowering and pollen release, intensifying allergy symptoms unexpectedly.​

How Does the Immune System Cause Allergy Symptoms?

Allergies result from the immune system mistaking harmless substances like pollen or pet dander for harmful invaders. This triggers the release of histamine and other chemicals that cause inflammation and allergy symptoms. Genetic predisposition and environmental factors play key roles in how the immune system reacts. Over time, repeated exposure to allergens can amplify this immune response, worsening symptoms.​

Can Lifestyle and Health Changes Affect Allergies?

Lifestyle factors, such as diet, stress, immune health, and infections, can affect allergy severity. For example, respiratory diseases or immune-altering illnesses might worsen sensitivity to allergens. Additionally, increased indoor exposure due to lifestyle or environmental changes can exacerbate allergic reactions. Maintaining a healthy immune system can help manage symptoms, but may not entirely prevent allergy worsening.​

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What Can You Do to Manage Worsening Seasonal Allergies?

Managing worsening allergies involves a multipronged approach, as per the World Health Organization. These include:

  • Avoidance: Limit exposure to known allergens by staying indoors during high pollen counts, using air purifiers, and keeping windows closed.
  • Medications: Use antihistamines, nasal corticosteroids, decongestants, and leukotriene receptor antagonists as recommended.
  • Immunotherapy: Allergy shots or sublingual tablets can help build tolerance to allergens over time and reduce symptoms.
  • Medical Consultation: Regular visits to an allergist or immunologist for personalized treatment plans and updated advice.
  • Monitor Symptoms: Track allergy symptoms and environmental triggers to promptly adapt management strategies.​

Allergy symptoms and seasonal allergies are becoming more severe and longer-lasting each year due to environmental factors such as climate change, increased pollen production, and pollution, along with immune system changes.

Understanding why allergies worsen helps individuals take informed steps in managing symptoms effectively through avoidance, medication, and medical care. Staying informed and proactive can improve quality of life despite the increasing allergy burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can early childhood diet influence the development of allergies later in life?

Yes. Introducing common allergenic foods such as peanuts, eggs, and dairy to infants between 4 to 6 months of age, alongside breastfeeding and a varied diet, can help reduce the risk of developing food allergies. Early and consistent exposure to these foods is supported by research for allergy prevention in children.

2. How can schools help protect children with allergies during the school day?

Schools can establish allergy-safe environments by limiting exposure to allergens, such as enforcing peanut-free policies, removing classroom pets that trigger allergies, using HEPA filters, and educating staff on allergy management and emergency response. Collaboration between parents, teachers, and healthcare providers is crucial for effective allergy management at school.

3. Are there specific home environment changes that can help reduce allergy symptoms?

Yes. Using allergen-proof covers on pillows and mattresses, regularly washing bedding in hot water, maintaining indoor humidity below 50%, and thorough cleaning (using vacuums with HEPA filters) can reduce exposure to dust mites and other indoor allergens that contribute to symptoms.

4. Is there any role for probiotics or supplements in preventing allergies?

The use of probiotics in early childhood has been studied for allergy prevention with some promising but inconclusive results. While probiotics may help modulate the immune system, they are not yet universally recommended as an allergy prevention strategy. Consultation with a healthcare provider is advised before starting supplements.

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