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Current Allergy and Asthma Reports
Published in: Current Allergy and Asthma Reports 11/2018

01-11-2018 | Allergies and the Environment (M Hernandez, Section Editor)

Impact of Climate Change on Pollen and Respiratory Disease

Author: Charles S. Barnes

Published in: Current Allergy and Asthma Reports | Issue 11/2018

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

A warming world will impact everyone and everything. The practice of allergic and respiratory disease will not be excepted. All the impacts will be impossible to anticipate. This review is intended to discuss significant factors related to individuals with allergic and respiratory disease.

Recent Findings

Recent findings include the increased growth of allergenic plants in response to higher carbon dioxide levels and warmer temperatures. This also contributes to the increased production of pollen as well as the appearance of allergenic species in new climactic areas. Stinging insects will extend their ranges into northern areas where they have not previously been a problem. The shift and extension of pollen seasons with warmer springs and later frosts have already been observed. Recent severe hurricanes and flooding events may be just the harbinger of increasing damp housing exposure related to sea level rise. Evidence is accumulating that indicates the expected higher number of ozone alert days and increased pollution in populated areas is bringing increases in pollen potency. Finally, increased exposure to smoke and particles from wild fires, resulting from heat waves, will contribute to the general increase in respiratory disease.

Summary

The practice of allergy being closely aligned with environmental conditions will be especially impacted. Allergists should consider increasing educational activities aimed at making patients more aware of air quality conditions.
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Metadata
Title
Impact of Climate Change on Pollen and Respiratory Disease
Author
Charles S. Barnes
Publication date
01-11-2018
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Current Allergy and Asthma Reports / Issue 11/2018
Print ISSN: 1529-7322
Electronic ISSN: 1534-6315
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11882-018-0813-7

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