(CNN) — The arrival of spring is traditionally associated with allergies, but the crisp air brought on by autumn’s cooler weather doesn’t necessarily mean everyone can take a breath of relief. For many with allergies, fall is peak season that’s now probably compounded by a warming planet. Allergy season is starting earlier and lasting longer , which scientists attribute to a variety of causes, including the climate crisis.
As temperatures stay warmer for longer and the first frost gets delayed, plants that release allergens have more time to grow. What’s more, higher levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere due to fossil fuel use and emissions further drive plant growth, generating more pollen. More than 1 in 4 adults in the United States had seasonal allergies in 2021, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
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It’s good to know common triggers for fall allergies and what symptoms people can expect. With respiratory viruses also prevalent in colder weather, how can people distinguish between seasonal allergies and a virus? What can be done to diagnose specific triggers, and how can people get relief from their symptoms? To help us answer these questions, I spoke with CNN wellness expert Dr. Leana Wen.
Wen is an emergency physician and adjunct associate professor at George Washington University, and she previously was Baltimore’s health commissioner. CNN: What are common triggers for fall allergies? Dr. Leana We.