If you’ve noticed your spring allergies seem a little more…shall we say, enthusiastic, this year, you’re not alone. According to recently released data from the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, the misery we’re witnessing right now is an “allergy explosion” of not just longer-lasting allergy seasons in spring (and fall, unfortunately), but also an increase in the number of people suffering from allergies, NBC News reported. If the fact that this allergy season seems to be worse than ever doesn’t surprise you, try this on for size: The academy believes it may actually be climate change affecting your allergies.
Dr. Stanley Fineman, former president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, told NBC, “Some research has suggested that the warming trend that we have in our environment is causing the pollen seasonsto start a little bit earlier, and extend a little bit longer. Consequently, patients are suffering because they’re exposed to pollen, for longer periods of time.”