New research by BioMedica shows that the recent weather events and change in climate has impacted allergic responses to increased. Here’s a summary I thought I’d share.
Australia already has a high prevalence of allergies. With all the recent floods and climate change has increased exposure to mould, air pollutants, stinging insects and food has been impacted.
This has increased the hypersensitivity of asthmas caused by Aeroallergens, which basically means air born substances such as mould spores and pollen together with air pollution intensify the allergic response.
Bushfires and deforestation
These are becoming more frequent in Australia and have been linked to climate change. A person who has been exposed to fine particle matter and bushfire smoke have higher levels of inflammatory markers in the airway. The smoke emissions can travel hundreds of kilometres.
In dry conditions caused by deforestations, there is more pollen, smoke and dust that can irritate the respiratory tract and can increase the risk of chronic respiratory illness, asthma and allergies.
Pollution
Climate change and air pollutants increased the growth of pollen in flower production, air allergens and allergen plants. This in turn induces direct health by increased allergenic protein exposure.
Carbon dioxide causes plants to increase photosynthesis and higher reproductive effects that then produce more pollen at the same time promoting adaptive immune responses. So you are then even more sensitive to non-toxic agents.
Weather events
Floods, extreme rainfall, wind gusts, thunderstorms, drought all can influence pollen concentrations.
The more rainfall prior to pollen liberation can increase flower and plant production, which increases available pollen for release. Wet conditions or lightening storms rupture pollen grains that affect allergenic proteins that cause pollinosis (thunderstorm-asthma).
Mould provokes an immune response caused by inhaling millions of airborne spores, easily inhaled and can cause asthma-related conditions and hay fever.
So what can we do?
As Naturopaths we target the underlying development of allergies. The key target is to reduce inflammation, inhibit histamine release, modulating immune system, inhibiting antigen-specific IgE antibodies and antioxidants (Ziska, 2021).
A Naturopath can target your specific allergy and determine the best action plan for you!
Book in for a consultation here if you think you need help for yourself or a loved one and see how helpful a Naturopath really can be.
Reference
Ziska, L. H. (2021) Climate, Carbon Dioxide, and Plant-Based Aero-Allergens: A Deeper Botanical Perspective, Frontiers in Allergy. Frontiers. doi: 10.3389/FALGY.2021.714724.
