highlighted that the pollen season has lengthened by about three weeks a year. This is the constant observed from 1990 to 2018. It is not only the duration that changes, but also the characteristics of the pollen which appears to be more concentrated and therefore more allergenic .
Climate change is considered the dominant driver of changes in the length of the pollen season and a major reason for the increase in pollen concentrations. Researchers have shown how much human-induced climate change has significantly worsened pollen seasons, impacting respiratory health of allergy sufferers even in the coming decades. Climate change could also introduce new pollen species regionally, as plants adapt to higher temperatures.
Climate and Covid-19
Is there a correlation between climate change, allergies and Covid-19? Researchers have shown that the increase in climate-induced changes in pollen season may have been offset somewhat in the past year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has resulted in people spending more time indoors, wearing face masks. outdoors and washing hands more frequently. This helped to limit contact with airborne allergens. For allergens as well as pathogens, exposure is crucial.
(or pollen bulletin), which can provide the patient with important support for the clinical management of allergy.Not all hours of the day and climatic conditions are suitable. Windy days and dry weather have a high concentration of pollen, and allergy sufferers are therefore not advised to plan an excursion or stroll in the park. Between 10 am and 4 pm, the period of greatest concentration of pollen, keep the windows and car windows closed and avoid outdoor activities or walks in the countryside. During the day, outdoors, it is useful to wear a pair of dark glasses: sunlight increases the discomfort associated with ocular symptoms. It is important to avoid consuming alcohol: alcoholic beverages, in fact, are able to stimulate the production of mucus and dilate the vessels, thus worsening the secretion and nasal congestion.Smoking is also strongly discouraged, as it causes irritation of the mucous membranes of the nose and eyes.
Continuing to wear a mask outdoors, despite the spacing or even alone, during pollen season can limit exposure. Allergy experts then recommend starting drug therapy prescribed by the specialist 2 or 3 weeks before symptoms begin to manifest in the middle of spring and autumn.
Seasonal allergies: three natural remedies
Among the natural and phytotherapeutic remedies that can lead to pharmacological therapy prescribed by the specialist, and to mitigate the symptomatic manifestations of pollen allergy, the following can be taken:
- Perilla (Perilla frutescens). Properties of the phytocomplex: it is antiallergic and immunomodulator. Its ability to significantly reduce allergic disorders of various kinds (such as: asthma, rhinitis, urticaria, dermatitis and eczema, etc.) has been scientifically confirmed.
- Blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum). Properties of the phytocomplex: it is a natural anti-inflammatory with an effect completely similar to cortisone, but without the same toxicity profile. It has antihistamine and analgesic properties. It has a specific anti-allergic action: it is indicated against hay fever, conjunctivitis and allergic bronchitis.
- Rosehip (Rosehip) Properties of the phytocomplex: anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. It is a particularly valuable remedy in the prevention of respiratory allergies. Furthermore, the fruits of Rosa Canina are a source of concentrated Vitamin C, capable of contributing to the strengthening of the body's natural defenses.
